Drug dog alert leads to felony arrest

A routine traffic stop in Barrigada led to a major drug arrest after a free-air sniff by drug-detector dog Draco uncovered more than six grams of methamphetamine. 

According to a magistrate’s complaint filed in superior court, 44-year-old Carl John Taitingfong was stopped around 2:16pm Sunday after allegedly turning into a parking lot on Route 10 without using a signal. Police say he told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and admitted to a prior drug arrest.

During the stop, officers observed signs of nervous behavior. A free-air sniff by K9 Draco resulted in a positive alert, and a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a baggie containing 6.14 grams of methamphetamine.

Investigators allege Taitingfong later admitted he had been selling the drugs for a friend who owned the car. He reportedly told police he had been instructed to sell an ounce for $3,000 and had about six grams remaining at the time of the stop.

Taitingfong has been charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver as a first-degree felony and possession of a schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony.