Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Drug Seizures in Narcotics Investigation

August 25, 2026 (Valentine, Neb.)  — Troopers and investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol found methamphetamine and cocaine after a traffic stop in Cherry County led to a narcotics investigation. 

In the late evening of Tuesday, August 18, a trooper saw a Cadillac sedan speeding on Highway 83 near Valentine. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

A Valentine Police Department K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance in the vehicle. The trooper and Valentine PD officer searched the vehicle and found over 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The driver, James Zacher, 57, of Oakland, California, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. He was lodged in Cherry County Jail.

NSP investigators then obtained a search warrant for the motel room in which Zacher had been staying in Valentine. On August 19, NSP investigators and Valentine PD officers searched the room and found over 5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 17 grams of suspected cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.

The investigation remains ongoing.