Wichita County, Texas – A man from Louisiana is behind bars after more than five pounds of marijuana were found hidden during a traffic stop along a highway commonly used for drug trafficking, according to the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest happened on Tuesday, March 25, when deputies were patrolling U.S. Highway 287 South.
What Led to the Traffic Stop?
A deputy with the Criminal Interdiction Unit spotted a grey Hyundai Tucson with California license plates driving over the speed limit near the intersection of U.S. 287 and Huntington Lane.
The driver, later identified as Albert Anthony Jones, was pulled over. When the deputy asked for permission to search the vehicle, Jones refused.
However, the deputy said Jones appeared nervous, so he deployed his K9 unit for a “free air sniff” around the vehicle.
The K9 alerted to a suspicious odor near the back of the car, which led to a full search.
What Was Found?
Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered three large Home Depot buckets. One held paper and drinks, while the other two appeared to contain plain rice.
Using a bamboo skewer to probe the buckets, the deputy found five vacuum-sealed bags filled with a leafy green substance, later confirmed to be marijuana. The total weight was 5.2 pounds.
Legal Consequences
Albert Anthony Jones is now charged with possession of marijuana over 5 pounds, a serious offense in Texas.
He is currently being held in the Wichita County Jail on a $75,000 bond.