Two women from Minnesota were pulled over in western Wisconsin by a state trooper who, along with his K-9 partner, discovered more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle, along with a 4-year-old child, authorities said Monday.

What began as a stop about 15 miles east of Eau Claire for a traffic violation about 10:10 p.m. Sunday ended with a 39-year-old woman from Minneapolis and a 35-year-old woman from Ogema in jail and awaiting charges. The Star Tribune generally does not name suspects before they are charged.

The trooper's dog picked up the suspicious scent coming from a duffel bag inside the vehicle, according to the State Patrol.

The child was turned over the Human Services Department officials in Eau Claire County.

The Upper Midwest has served as a key distribution area for the resurging meth trade, as the drug has been more potent, more plentiful and cheaper than ever.