Baby monkey, cannabis found in Rolls Royce during California traffic stop. Driver arrested

File this under unusual traffic stops.

The California Highway Patrol reported an officer stopped a Rolls Royce Ghost that had been observed speeding along Highway 99 near Avenue 17 on Monday night.

Discovered in the luxury car during the stop (and subsequent DUI arrest) were cannabis (enough to warrant another charge) and a baby spider monkey. Animal Control took over care for the monkey, who was found wearing a pink onesie and is believed to be 1 month old, according to the CHP.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare says spider monkeys mostly live in tropical rainforests in an area stretching from Mexico to Bolivia. They are known to be trafficked into California. Three babies were found at a U.S. border checkpoint last year.

Monkeys are one of several animals that are illegal to keep (or transport) under California law. See also: Hedgehogs and squirrels (shout out to Fresno’s Timmy T).

The driver was booked into Madera County Jail on several suggested charges, including DUI, possession of cannabis for sale and possession of an exotic animal, the CHP said.

This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Baby monkey, cannabis found in Rolls Royce during California traffic stop. Driver arrested."