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Author: Brad Hunter
The first clue was the smell of marijuana.
And now, in Angelina County, Texas, northeast of Houston, a Leamington woman is struggling to survive in a world full of scars.
Police said Jataya Odey Jaakiara Hamilton is suspected of participating in a multinational firearms smuggling scheme. She is being held in the Angelina County Jail on charges of illegal weapon possession.
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Hamilton was a passenger in the Lyft when he was stopped by police for speeding. However, the deputy smelled marijuana and began searching the vehicle.
Curious police officers found two large bags in the trunk of the car. Hamilton reportedly said the bag belonged to her.
Authorities reportedly found 20 handguns, magazines, ammunition and a short-barreled rifle inside the bag. The guns found in the bag were reported stolen in the Houston area.
Possession of a short-barreled rifle is both a state and federal felony.
Police said Hamilton allegedly flew into Houston and obtained the weapons with a plan to smuggle them into Canada for a hefty profit.
The Lyft ride was scheduled to take Hamilton to Little Rock, Arkansas. For now, the gun supplier remains at large.
Officials said Hamilton and the weapon are awaiting the arrival of federal agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who are assisting with the investigation.
The Lyft driver was charged with speeding and released.
“The discovery of these stolen weapons clearly prevents them from falling into the hands of criminals and street gangs,” said Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman.
“Keeping these guns from reaching cities somewhere in the U.S. or Canada probably saved lives. Illegal weapons are a valuable commodity, cost a lot of money outside of the U.S., and cost a lot of money to civilians. and pose a clear danger to both law enforcement officers.”
bhunter@postmedia.com
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