Traffic stop leads to seizure of 89 grams of suspected methamphetamine

By: Maura Johnson

Posted: Oct 28, 2021 11:31 AM EDT | Updated: Oct 28, 2021 5:36 PM EDT

Phillip Stewart Jilain Mensinger Photo courtesy: Indiana State Police

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – Two South Bend residents were arrested on Tuesday after police found 89 grams of suspected methamphetamine in their possession during a traffic stop along the Indiana Toll Road, Indiana State Police reported.

Just after midnight on Tuesday, an Indiana State Trooper stopped a gold 2004 Jeep for a traffic violation near mile marker 90, reports said. This is about two miles west of the Elkhart exit.

During the traffic stop, troopers conducted a vehicle search and found approximately 89 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a loaded Ruger 9-millimeter handgun, suspected cocaine, and suspected marijuana wax, according to reports.

The driver of the Jeep, 41-year-old Phillip Stewart, and the passenger, 37-year-old Jilain Mensinger, were both preliminarily arrested for the following:

Dealing methamphetamine
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cocaine
Possession of a handgun without a license

Stewart and Mensinger were taken to the Elkhart County Jail.