Police in Biloxi Mississippi recently uncovered 31 one-pound bags of hydroponic marijuana during a routine traffic stop. For those who aren’t aware, hydroponic marijuana is grown indoors under artificial light.
The two 26-year-old men accused of being in possession of the marijuana, which had an estimated street value of $50,000, are now being held in an adult detention center. They have been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
According to police, the Louisiana men were driving in Mississippi when they were stopped by a patrol deputy who saw them following another vehicle too closely. After the deputy had the car pull to the side of the road, a police dog indicated drugs may have been present inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, the bags of marijuana and about $9,000 in cash were found.
Each of the suspects was released on $100,000 bond. It is unclear if either man has hired an attorney.
Without commenting on this specific case, it is important for those accused of drug crimes to realize that police have very strict procedures they must follow in conducting traffic stops and vehicle searches. Failure to abide by these procedures is a violation of a suspect’s rights, and can weaken prosecution’s case at trial.
One of the consequences of police illegally obtaining criminal evidence during a traffic stop is that incriminating evidence can be suppressed from trial. This is something a criminal defendant has to request, however, and having a skilled attorney is important.
Source: blog.gulflife.com, “Two Louisiana men arrested on drug charges after I-10 traffic stop,” October 1, 2012