On April 18, an Illinois man entered a guilty plea after being charged with unlawful delivery of marijuana. The 28-year-old Mound City resident was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
In July 2016, the Carbondale Police Department received a tip that the man’s brother had purchased an Amtrak train ticket. It was believed that the brother was using the train to move narcotics from Chicago. The authorities were also told that the convicted man was likely waiting at the Carbondale station to pick the brother and any potential drugs up.
After the accused man picked up the brother, the authorities conducted a traffic stop. The report stated that the officers already knew that the accused man’s license was suspended. When officers approached the vehicle, they reported a strong odor of marijuana. During the subsequent search, they reportedly found 35.5 grams of marijuana and about $3,400 in cash. They found an additional five pounds of marijuana in the duffel bag.
If police find what they believe to be drugs during a traffic stop, the owner of the vehicle could potentially face drug charges. Those who are found to be in possession of more than a personal mount of marijuana could be sentenced to prison or face other legal consequences if they are convicted. However, if there is evidence that authorities did not have the requisite reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle, any evidence that they find could potentially be deemed inadmissible in court. Those who are in situation should contact a criminal defense attorney who may review the case and challenge the charges.
Source: KFVS 12, “Mound City, IL man arrested on drug charges, 5 pounds of marijuana found“, Jasmine Adams, April 18, 2017