Opinion ID: 4100519
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Items in Vehicles

Text: [¶20] The presence of different items in a vehicle can also be a factor in determining whether there was a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Franzen , 2010 ND 244, ¶ 16; Deviley , 2011 ND 182, ¶ 13. In Franzen , we noted that the presence of a masking odor is a relevant factor in our determination, specifically the presence of multiple air fresheners and an aerosol can air freshener. Id. at ¶ 13. In Deviley , we also acknowledged that an officer’s suspicions could reasonably be “increased by the presence of [an] energy drink and [a] minimal amount of luggage.” Id. at ¶ 13. While completing the traffic stop, Officer Edwards noticed that Adan and Tesfaye’s vehicle contained a new air freshener, an aerosol can air freshener, a GPS, eye drops, an empty bottle of an energy drink, and a lack of luggage. [¶21] Officer Edwards testified that through his training and experience he often sees scent eliminators, such as air fresheners, in his marijuana and drug arrests. Officer Edwards explained that drugs, especially marijuana, give off a very strong odor. Additionally, Officer Edwards thought the presence of the GPS was significant for two reasons: first, because drug traffickers often go places they are unfamiliar with to obtain or drop off drugs; and, second, the drive from Fargo to either Watford City or Williston is simple, one right turn off of the interstate. [¶22] Officer Edwards also found the presence of eye drops to be significant. Through his training and experience, Officer Edwards believed the presence of eye drops to be an indicator of marijuana use. He testified that eye drops were found, either on the individual or in the vehicle, in over half of his marijuana arrests. Officer Edwards explained that eye drops help treat the redness of the eyes which usually occurs after using marijuana. However, Officer Edwards also testified that there was nothing unusual about Adan’s appearance and that neither Adan nor Tesfaye appeared to be under the influence of any drug. [¶23] Officer Edwards also testified that it was common for him to see energy drinks and antacids in vehicles trafficking drugs, as the driver is trying to cover considerable distance in one stint. But, as stated above, the vehicle contained only one energy drink and no antacids. [¶24] Additionally, Officer Edwards noted that he was unable to see any luggage which would typically be present on a multi-day road trip. However, Officer Edwards could not see into the trunk, nor did he inquire into whether the trunk contained luggage. Officer Edwards also did not observe any sort of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Although he did testify that it was not unusual to not find drug paraphernalia as some drug traffickers do not use the drugs they traffic.