A routine traffic stop in Smith County led to the arrest of a woman in possession of fentanyl and cocaine on January 16, 2025.
Sgt. Junior Fields of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office stopped a gray Ford Edge after a registration check revealed it was expired as of November 30, 2024. The vehicle also displayed a license plate sticker that belonged to a different vehicle, a black Ford Explorer.
Upon making contact with the driver, Kayla Barger, Sgt. Fields observed that her pants were unbuttoned and unzipped. When questioned about illegal substances in the vehicle, Ms. Barger initially denied possessing anything but later admitted to having a methamphetamine pipe inside. Further questioning led to her revealing that she had narcotics hidden in her pants. She retrieved a bag of drugs and placed it on the hood of the patrol unit.
Field testing confirmed the substance was fentanyl. Officers also discovered a separate bag of unidentified white powder, which Ms. Barger stated was intended to mix with the fentanyl to prevent overdose. Upon arrival at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, additional testing identified the second substance as cocaine.
Ms. Barger was placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail.
