(Madison, Ind.) - A Vevay woman is being called a major marijuana distributor in Jefferson County.

On Sunday following a five month investigation, Madison Police arrested Melba Yvonne Ortega.

Officers stopped Ortega, 48, for a minor traffic violation and a K9 officer was called in to assist with the stop. The police dog indicated that there may be drugs present in the vehicle. A search turned up no drugs, but officers allegdly located $300 cash and three cell phones.

Ortega gave officers permission to search a home she was renting in Madison. Inside, officers allegedly found 7.5 pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and a small bag of cocaine. The marijuana stored in two trash bags had an estimated street value of $7,500.

Ortega is charged with Dealing in Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon.