Robert Poulsen

A Louisiana man was placed in the Clay County Jail on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine.

Deputies originally stopped 28-year-old Robert Poulsen of St. Bernard, La., on a traffic violation at about 2:32 a.m. Monday in the 2900 block of Highway 71. As the deputies approached the car, he observed "what looked to be drug paraphernalia sitting in the ash tray of the vehicle," according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Jesse Rustad.

Members of the Spencer Police Department were called in to assist the deputy and Poulsen was tested for narcotics impairment by a drug recognition expert. After testing Poulsen was placed under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up other drug paraphernalia including baggies and coffee filters -- which contained a white substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Poulsen was transported to the Clay County Jail without incident. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine-with the intent to deliver, a Class "C" felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

Poulsen is currently being held on a $12,250 cash or surety bond. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are anticipated.