Pubdate: Fri,  3 Dec 2004
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2004 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author:  Erin Cox , staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

$1.5 MILLION IN POT FOUND INSIDE TRUCK

The Colorado State Patrol confiscated $1.5 million worth of marijuana
from a vegetable delivery truck near Fort Morgan on Monday.

Nestled among a load of onions, lettuce and potatoes were 18 suitcases
of marijuana totaling 1,626 pounds.

The driver, who officials would not identify, is being held in Denver
County jail and faces felony charges.

A patrolman noticed signs of illegal narcotics smuggling when the
truck stopped for a routine port-of-entry check Monday morning.
Spokesman Ron Watkins declined to elaborate on the specifics of the
driver's smuggling technique but said not every law officer would be
able to spot a smuggler like this one.

"It's just good police work," Watkins said.

A narcotics dog trained to detect methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine
and heroin later identified the drugs and gave the State Patrol
probable cause to search the truck.

The driver may be charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to
distribute, possession of eight ounces or more of marijuana and a
special offender charge because of the amount of drugs seized.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin