Photo submitted to the Times Observer Items seized after a recent traffic stop in Youngsville are pictured.

A recent traffic stop and subsequent search warrant led to the discovery of additional drugs and a firearm, highlighting what local law enforcement officials describe as a persistent and evolving drug problem in the region.

Amanda A.S. Johnson of Erie was arraigned Sunday after being pulled over for nonfunctioning rear tail lights.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the officer alleged seeing burnt marijuana cigarettes and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The officer received permission to search the vehicle and allegedly found a purse containing plastic bags with white powder the officer said appeared to be cocaine, marijuana, plastic baggies, digital scales, a pill bottle with Adderall pills and other drug paraphernalia items.

The officer also allegedly found a locked storage box which they suspected contained controlled substances.

Johnson admitted to the Youngsville Police Department that the box contained an additional 1.5 ounces of cocaine. She also allegedly informed officers about a .380 caliber pistol under the driver’s seat.

Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser confirmed that a search warrant was obtained and more drugs were found inside the lock box and the gun was secured.

Chief Mineweaser stated that Johnson is involved in local drug distribution, and is currently in custody with bail set at $50,000.

Chief Mineweaser said that Warren County’s geographic location presents unique challenges. Situated near the New York state line, where marijuana is legal, and within driving distance of larger cities such as Erie, the area sees a steady flow of drug-related activity.

One of the biggest issues stems from confusion about marijuana laws. While cannabis is legal in New York, it remains illegal for recreational use in Pennsylvania.

“People think because it’s legal in New York, they can smoke it and drive around Warren County,” Chief Mineweaser said. “That’s not the case.”

Chief Mineweaser said the department has seen a noticeable shift in impaired driving cases, with marijuana now accounting for a growing share of DUI stops.

Although the idea that marijuana is a gateway drug is highly debated, Chief Mineweaser said he has seen this issue firsthand. He said that many individuals the department arrest report using marijuana in their early teens before transitioning to other substances.

“There’s concern that kids are using vape products that contain THC without parents realizing it,” Chief Mineweaser said.

This week, Warren County police seized large amounts of illegal items from local smoke shops, including more than five pounds of marijuana as well as vape products and edible items.

Beyond enforcement, Chief Minweaser stressed a need for stronger prevention efforts, arguing that current approaches focus too heavily on treatment after addiction occurs rather than stopping drug use early.

“We put lots of money into treatment, but what do we do for prevention?” Chief Mineweaser said, pointing to the widespread availability of overdose-reversal drugs like Narcan as evidence of a reactive system.

According to Chief Mineweaser, the Youngsville Police Department saw more than 1,o00 traffic stops last year. He said drivers traveling through the area with illegal substances risk being stopped by local or state police.

“Drugs are everywhere,” Chief Mineweaser said. “It’s not a surprise to us when we make arrests like this.”