Deputies seize 88 pounds of pot in cargo van

A traffic stop on Thursday, September 27, in Rochester Hills resulted in the seizure of 88 pounds of marijuana discovered in a cargo van, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said.

A sheriff's deputy on patrol about 5:30 p.m. stopped a full-size 2000 Chevrolet cargo van for speeding in the area of Auburn Road and Primrose Lane. A routine check of the driver's license and the van's registration revealed the plate was cancelled by the Michigan Secretary of State and the vehicle was unregistered.

The sheriff's office subsequently impounded the van. While conducting an inventory search of the van, the deputy opened the side door and found several large garbage bags and boxes in the cargo area. The packages contained a green leafy substance. Further investigation revealed additional packages of suspected marijuana.

A detective with the sheriff's Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) responded to the scene to assist. The suspected marijuana was confiscated and placed into evidence at a total weight of 88 pounds.

The driver of the van, 53, of Madison Heights, was arrested and transported to the Rochester Hills Substation to speak with detectives. He was lodged in the Oakland County Jail in connection with felony delivery/manufacture of marijuana over five kilograms.