State Police Seize 256 Pounds of Marijuana

A routine traffic stop for following too closely resulted in the seizure of 256 pounds of marijuana and a sport utility vehicle on June 4, New Mexico State Police Sgt. Rigo Chavarria said.

The marijuana was found hidden in the 2003 Tahoe SUV, Chavarria said, after police became suspicious. A police dog detected the drug, and the vehicle was impounded, Chevarria said.

The driver of the vehicle, Deiver J. Varela-Perez, was arrested and jailed after being charged with distribution of a controlled substance and the traffic charge, Chavarria said.

Chavarria estimated the street value of the marijuana at