California Highway Patrol officers in Oakland halted a westbound Chrysler SUV on I-80 near Gilman Avenue for a routine traffic infraction, which led to a significant discovery.
The stop, which took place at about 5:30 PM on Monday, was initiated because the driver was observed using a cellphone while operating the vehicle. However, officers at the scene, aided by the pungent scent of cannabis emanating from the SUV, noted multiple large black trash bags in the rear cargo area, raising suspicion of further illicit activity.
Upon conducting a probable cause search, CHP discovered roughly 218 pounds of cannabis, as revealed in a social media post from CHP Oakland. The stash was promptly seized, and the driver, whose identity hasn't been released, was arrested under charges concerning the unlawful transportation and intent to sell the substance without proper licensing or documentation.
