Troopers seize 170 pounds of marijuana during traffic stop

The Florida Highway Patrol seized 170 pounds of marijuana with a street value of more than $1.5 million during a traffic stop last month, they announced on Wednesday.

Last month, troopers and FHP’s Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped a tractor-trailer car hauler reportedly because the driver was driving recklessly and following other vehicles too closely on Interstate 75 in Alachua County, according to a news release.

Troopers detected a strong odor of raw marijuana coming from several boxes and duffel bags and a FHP K-9 unit alerted them to the presence of narcotics, so they searched the vehicle.

The search resulted in troopers finding and seizing 170 pounds of marijuana. Troopers say the driver denied knowing the drugs were onboard before he was arrested and taken to the Alachua County jail.

“FHP is committed to interrupting drug trafficking activities on Florida’s highways, which was evident during this traffic stop,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, in an issued statement. “Through aggressive education and patrol, the FHP is dedicated to stopping the illegal flow of drugs into our communities.”

This story was originally published June 7, 2017 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Troopers seize 170 pounds of marijuana during traffic stop."