FAIRMONT — A 26-year-old, Columbus, Neb., man is facing a felony charge in Martin County.

Rigoberto Quintana Rios has been charged with drug possession in the fifth degree, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the report:

On March 8, a Martin County Sheriff’s deputy was sitting in his squad car on Interstate 90 when he observed a vehicle pass him traveling east. The vehicle appeared to have no license plate light. The deputy followed the vehicle and proceeded to make a traffic stop after confirming there was no light and he was unable to read the plate.

The deputy approached the driver and explained the reason for the stop. While speaking, the deputy could smell the odor of marijuana. The driver, later identified as Rios, said he did not have a driver’s license.

The deputy asked Rios if he had any marijuana in the vehicle, and he said he did. Rios then pulled a small black bag out of his pocket, which contained a bag of marijuana, a pipe and a lighter. Rios handed the bag to the deputy.

The deputy called for another car to assist and informed Rios he was not under arrest but was being detained as the deputy was going to search the vehicle.

Rios was placed in the deputy’s squad car and was asked if he had any other drugs in the vehicle. Rios stated there was more marijuana in the trunk. As the deputy searched the vehicle, he found a backpack in the from passenger area containing a small plastic bag with a chunk of white powder that appeared to be cocaine.

Inside the trunk, the deputy found a clear Crayon plastic bag that contained a large bag of what appeared to be marijuana. At that time, another deputy arrived to assist, and Rios was placed under arrest and transported to the Martin County Jail.

At the jail, Rios was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions. Rios admitted he had used cocaine and marijuana a couple of hours prior. He stated he was travelling from Nebraska to work in Owatonna.

Rios also said he stocks up marijuana to last him during his time away from home, and that he was not intending to sell the drugs. Both substances were weighed. The marijuana weighed at 39 grams, while the cocaine weighed 3 grams.