Cole County Prosecutor Mark Richardson charged a Moniteau County man Friday with felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
Willams L. Belt, 50, California, was charged after a Cole County deputy sheriff reported seizing 26 grams of meth from Belt's car on Thursday.
Sheriff Greg White's news release said Deputy Todd Marsey stopped Belt on Business 50 West at Apache Trail, about 1:30 p.m. Thursday for a "routine traffic violation."
But, while talking with Belt, Marsey "became suspicious of further criminal behavior."
White said Belt "consented to Deputy Marsey searching him, during which a meth pipe was discovered."
Marsey then searched Belt's vehicle and found "26 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution ... valued at over $3,100."
Belt was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond.
No court date has been set, yet.
Conviction of the Class B felony charge could end with a prison sentence from five to 15 years.