FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A prolific identity thief is in custody after being pulled over during a traffic stop in Ferndale.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding says two Trooper Cadets were training Friday morning when they conducted the traffic stop on I-5 just north of Smith Road and noticed signs of potential drugs in the car. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office arrived with a K9 partner, which confirmed the presence of drugs.
An ensuing search of the car recovered fentanyl powder and crystal methamphetamines. Deputies also found debit and credit cards belonging to over 20 people, checks, social security cards, fake Washington licenses and a card skimmer used to steal information at ATM machines.
The suspect, 38-year-old Ryan Southwood, was booked into Whatcom County jail, where he remains without bail.
