Steamboat Pilot & Today

A 37-year-old Texas man was found with three bindles of cocaine and more than a $1,000 in his pockets and wallet, the Routt County Sheriff's Office reported.

Christopher Hollis James, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Schedule II drug with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II drug, possession of less than 1 ounce marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs and failing to drive in the right lane.

On Saturday morning, James was reportedly spotted on Colorado Highway 131 near mile marker 63 driving south in the northbound lane, Sheriff John Warner said. James also was driving well below the 65 mph speed limit.

James was pulled over for driving in the wrong lane and driving too slow. James was asked to perform roadside maneuvers, which he failed and was making incomprehensible replies to the deputy's questions, Warner said.

In plain view inside the vehicle were two sections of plastic drinking straws that held cocaine and a large plastic bag of marijuana, Warner said.

In James' pockets, the sheriff deputy found three bindles of cocaine and more than $500 in bills that were folded and held together by a rubber band.

Another $593 was found in James' wallet, Warner said.

A bindle of cocaine is typically around 1 gram, but can be as much as 2 grams, Warner said, and can have a street value between $80 and $100.

James was visiting Steamboat, Warner said, and told the deputy he was on his way to Steamboat and made a wrong turn. He also said he was looking for ski boots.

James was released from the Routt County Jail on Saturday when a friend posted his $5,000 bail.

-- To reach Christine Metz call 871-4229

or e-mail cmetz@steamboatpilot.com