Fremont County authorities arrested an Iowa resident in Island Park on Sept. 3 after discovering significant quantities of controlled substances in his semi-truck. Selemani Mtenga faces four felony charges stemming from a traffic stop that escalated into a brief pursuit and subsequent vehicle damage.
Traffic Stop Turns Pursuit
The incident began on Aug. 28 when a deputy received a report of a semi-truck driving off U.S. Highway 20 with a broken trailer. During the initial traffic stop, Mtenga allegedly accelerated to 75 mph in zones posted for 65 and 45 mph. The truck swerved into the passing lane and continued driving before pulling over approximately four miles later.
The maneuver caused $1,500 in damage to the commercial vehicle. Prosecutors charged Mtenga with eluding police by fleeing a pursuing vehicle and failing to provide immediate notice of the accident.
Controlled Substances Seized
Law enforcement officers discovered multiple containers of powder inside the cab. Evidence included brown powder in a plastic bag near the driver’s seat, a container labeled coconut oil, and 10 plastic bags within a shopping bag.
Mtenga told investigators the substance was medicinal and plant-based, intended for tea and skin application. He stated he would contact a relative in the Democratic Republic of Congo to ship additional powder via DHL.
Authorities identified the substances as tabernanthe iboga, ibogaine, and Bombé. Tabernanthe iboga is a Schedule 1 non-narcotic controlled substance in Idaho. Bombé is classified as a heroin-based synthetic drug.
Evidence weighed included:
- 174.6 grams of red/brown Iboga
- 13.9 grams of gray Ibogaine
- 13.9 grams of Bombé
Legal Proceedings
Mtenga was booked into Fremont County Jail and released on his own recognizance. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Faren Eddins for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 9.
In addition to the eluding and accident notice charges, Mtenga faces felony counts for possession with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance.