Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report a Friday evening traffic stop resulted in the seizure of approximately 8 pounds of marijuana, valued at $66,560, and the arrest of the out-of-state driver on felony drug charges.
Jose D. Soto, 30, from Kannapolis, N.C., was charged with felony counts of possession of marijuana and drug trafficking during the stop about 9 p.m. along U.S. Route 33 in the area of County Road 5 and Zanesfield.
Deputies reportedly observed Soto’s eastbound pickup with only one functional headlight and initiated the traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Soto, and deputies said he appeared visibly nervous and his explanation of his travels lead deputies to investigate further.
The defendant was requested out of the vehicle and he gave consent to search the vehicle. During the search of the pickup, a large trash bag containing marijuana was located on the rear floor. Within the large trash bag were several smaller bags of suspected marijuana.
Soto was placed under arrest and was lodged in the Logan County Jail.