Mammoth Cave woman arrested, dog carries out purse containing drugs

EDMONSON COUNTY, Ky. – Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman Tuesday after a dog carried out a purse containing illegal drugs from underneath her vehicle during a traffic stop.

Around 1:48 p.m. on May 10, an Edmonson County Sheriff’s deputy saw a Toyota Solara pull out of a driveway onto Ky Hwy 259 and cross into oncoming traffic before going back into the correct lane. The deputy initiated a traffic stop near the 3000 block of Ky Hwy 259 N.

The sheriff’s office stated the driver, Tonia Maria Harbin, 44, of Mammoth Cave immediately exited her car and began walking toward the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Harbin was told to stop, but she continued walking to the passenger door of her vehicle, according to police. The sheriff’s office stated Harbin reached into her vehicle twice, causing the deputy to ask Harbin if there was anything illegal in her vehicle, and she said there was.

A vehicle search resulted in the discovery of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia with suspected methamphetamine residue and a homemade magnetic drug hide, containing a bag of suspected methamphetamine, according to police. The sheriff’s office stated that while the deputy was speaking with Harbin, a small dog came out from under Harbin’s car carrying a handbag. A search of the handbag resulted in the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and suspected marijuana, according to police. The sheriff’s office stated Harbin said she had thrown the handbag under the vehicle.

Harbin was placed under arrest and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, first offense (greater than or equal to two gms methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia – buy/possess, possession of marijuana, careless driving and tampering with physical evidence.

Harbin was lodged in Hart County Jail.