In a routine stop turned narcotics bust, Pleasanton police officers discovered more than just traffic violations. It began with a driver's sneaky attempt to outwit law enforcement with a contraption not often seen on the city streets: a license plate flipper.
According to a recent post by the Pleasanton Police Department on Facebook, officers pulled over a suspect for a license plate violation, only to unravel a mini trove of illegal activity. The driver, already on searchable probation, had a more alarming surprise in the vehicle. Upon further investigation, cops found and confiscated quantities of meth, drug paraphernalia, and the device designed to alternate between a legitimate plate and a blank slate at the flip of a switch. Such devices are expressly prohibited under California law (5201.1(a) VC).
"Take a close look, Pleasanton. 🔎 This isn't your average license plate," the department warned on social media. The concealed flipper was a novel attempt to avoid detection, but it led to significantly more trouble for the offender. The gadget may have added a layer of stealth on the road, but it surely didn't shield the suspect from the long arm of the law.
After the discoveries, the driver was arrested on the spot. After a brief processing on-site, the suspect was transported to Santa Rita Jail, facing charges of a drug violation.
