Iowa City traffic stop leads to several drug charges

Police pulled over an Omaha native late Monday night for speeding, but ended up arresting him for seven drug-related offenses.

Joseph M. Geurts, 24, was charged today with two controlled substance violations, an Iowa drug tax stamp violation, keeping a drug vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and operating while intoxicated.

Geurts was stopped at 11:58 p.m. Monday for driving at 42 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. When officers approached, they smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Police searched the vehicle and found several bags of marijuana,  four Ecstacy tablets, packaging material and other items to indicate drug sales and use.

Geurts consented to a drug evaluation, and police determined he was under the influence of marijuana while driving.

Police said Geurts admitted he planned to deliver the drugs to another person in exchange for a small amount of free marijuana and gas money.

Geurts appeared at the Johnson County Courthouse this morning and is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond.