Drug training pays off for Maryland trooper
The Maryland State trooper was returning from drug training when he stopped to help the driver of a disabled car on I-95 in Cecil County Wednesday night. The trooper left with two people in handcuffs and marijuana worth an estimated $300,000.
The unidentified trooper had pulled over to help the men change a tire on the northbound lanes of the highway, near Route 279 in Elkton. Police said the trooper got suspicious and got consent to search the pickup truck, and found two duffel bags and box with "high-grade marijuana."
Here is the statement from police with more details:
A Maryland state trooper returning from criminal interdiction training put his new knowledge to use when he stopped to assist a disabled vehicle last night on I-95 in Cecil County and found a load of marijuana with a street value of more than $300,000.
The suspects are identified as Fernando A. Gonzalez, 45, of Miami, Fla., and Juan C. Gomez Romero, 51, of Homestead, Fla. Both are charged with importing marijuana into the state, possession of a large amount of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Cecil County Detention Center for an initial hearing before a court commissioner.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m. yesterday, a trooper assigned to the JFK Highway Barrack was returning from a three-day training class on criminal interdiction when he stopped to assist a disabled pickup truck on the exit ramp from northbound I-95 to Rt. 279 near Elkton. The two occupants, later identified as Gonzalez and Romero, were changing a flat tire on the truck.
After conversation with the suspects and visual observations indicative of possible criminal activity, the trooper requested and received consent to search the truck. In the enclosed truck bed, the trooper found two duffle bags and a box. Inside the bags and box he found dozens of plastic bags of high-grade marijuana.
The total weight of the marijuana was 67 pounds. The high-grade “hydroponic” marijuana has an estimated street value of $335,000.
The suspects are identified as Fernando A. Gonzalez, 45, of Miami, Fla., and Juan C. Gomez Romero, 51, of Homestead, Fla. Both are charged with importing marijuana into the state, possession of a large amount of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Cecil County Detention Center for an initial hearing before a court commissioner.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m. yesterday, a trooper assigned to the JFK Highway Barrack was returning from a three-day training class on criminal interdiction when he stopped to assist a disabled pickup truck on the exit ramp from northbound I-95 to Rt. 279 near Elkton. The two occupants, later identified as Gonzalez and Romero, were changing a flat tire on the truck.
After conversation with the suspects and visual observations indicative of possible criminal activity, the trooper requested and received consent to search the truck. In the enclosed truck bed, the trooper found two duffle bags and a box. Inside the bags and box he found dozens of plastic bags of high-grade marijuana.
The total weight of the marijuana was 67 pounds. The high-grade “hydroponic” marijuana has an estimated street value of $335,000.
Comments
Who gives consent to a search if they're carrying illicit substances? Crime makes you dumb I guess.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 13, 2011 2:09 PM
Trooper: Can I search your car for drugs or possibly $300,000 worth of high grade marijuana?
Guys who own car filled with $300,000 worth of high grade marijuana: Sure, go ahead
Trooper:Youre busted
Guys: How did this happen?
Posted by: Jim | October 13, 2011 10:23 PM