What started as a routine traffic stop Wednesday morning led to a drug bust that netted 75 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $250,000, according to authorities.
Georgia State Trooper First Class Joel Mock conducted a routine traffic stop on a black Chevy Cavalier that was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on I-95 around 7:25 a.m.
Mock suspected the driver, 21-year-old Adrian Rios, was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed substances believed to be marijuana in the trunk of the car and a gram of cocaine on Rios. The trooper also found Rios to be carrying $3,315 in cash.
Rios was a former Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, Mock said.
Rios, who resides in Gibsonton, Fla., reportedly told Mock he was heading towards Camp LeJeune, N.C. after having left Florida at about midnight.
“I’ve seen large quantities of currency and cocaine, usually going south (towards Florida) before, but this is the most marijuana I’ve seen,” Mock said after the incident.
The MACE drug task force confiscated the items as evidence for trial.
After the case is over, the drugs will be incinerated and destroyed. He is facing possession of cocaine, trafficking marijuana, DUI and speeding charges. Rios was denied bond Thursday afternoon.
Georgia State Trooper First Class Joel Mock conducted a routine traffic stop on a black Chevy Cavalier that was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on I-95 around 7:25 a.m.
Mock suspected the driver, 21-year-old Adrian Rios, was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed substances believed to be marijuana in the trunk of the car and a gram of cocaine on Rios. The trooper also found Rios to be carrying $3,315 in cash.
Rios was a former Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, Mock said.
Rios, who resides in Gibsonton, Fla., reportedly told Mock he was heading towards Camp LeJeune, N.C. after having left Florida at about midnight.
“I’ve seen large quantities of currency and cocaine, usually going south (towards Florida) before, but this is the most marijuana I’ve seen,” Mock said after the incident.
The MACE drug task force confiscated the items as evidence for trial.
After the case is over, the drugs will be incinerated and destroyed. He is facing possession of cocaine, trafficking marijuana, DUI and speeding charges. Rios was denied bond Thursday afternoon.