Spirit Lake man arrested on felony drug trafficking charges

RATHDRUM — A Spirit Lake man was arrested in Rathdrum on Friday on felony drug trafficking charges.  

Benjamin Barnhart, from Spirit Lake, and Sara Mallet, from Newport, Wash., were arrested following a traffic stop and investigation at the Highway 41 and Highway 53 interchange in Rathdrum, according to the Rathdrum Police Department.  

Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and over $62,000 in cash suspected to have been involved in narcotics distribution were discovered during the investigation, said RPD.  

Barnhart, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested for felony trafficking of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use.  

Mallet was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver along with outstanding felony fugitive warrants out of Washington. 

The Kootenai County Sheriff's K-9 unit assisted RPD with the investigation.