A man who allegedly tried swallowing about 3.5 grams of meth was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

According to the criminal complaint: Mario Alberto Garza, 32, and a companion were pulled over in Albert Lea after Lt. Jeff Strom observed a side window blocked with packing tape. He also noticed that they had stopped and entered for a short period at the house of a woman known for drug activity. Garza also has a history of drug use and sales.

Soon a drug-sniffing dog was called in, and indicated there were drugs in the vehicle.

The driver handed an officer a bag of marijuana, when an officer noticed something strange.

Garza kept spitting at the ground, and had a bulge in the side of his mouth. The officer asked him to open his mouth and when he did, several baggies fell out.

Garza admitted to sucking some of the meth out of the baggies.

There were seven baggies total holding about .5 grams each, Garza said.

Strom asked him what would happen with that much meth in his system.

Garza said probably a heart attack, which he said he preferred to going to prison.

Garza had his stomach pumped and spent the night in the hospital. If convicted Garza could face 5 years in prison.

(Contact Tim Sturrock at tim.sturrock @albertleatribune.com or 379-3438)