AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Nearly one pound of what police believe is hydroponically grown marijuana was seized in a traffic stop on Interstate 40 on Tuesday morning.
At about 2:13 a.m., officers said they stopped a silver 2006 Suzuki SUV with California license plates for speeding and a defective license plate light in the 9500 block of East I-40.
Police said a warning was issued to the driver and during the conversation with the driver and passengers officers noticed unusual nervousness and other signs that made them suspicious that contraband was in the vehicle.
A canine narcotics detection dog checked the outside of the vehicle and a positive alert was detected on the right side of the vehicle, police said.
The vehicle was then searched and a plastic bag with what officers believe is hydroponically grown marijuana was found under the right rear seat. Officers said they detected the odor of the marijuana when the bag was moved.
The street value for the drugs is estimated at being more than $3,000.
Police said physical evidence linked the marijuana to the male passenger, Sylvester Frierson, 53 of Fresno, Calif.
He was booked in the Potter County Jail on charges of possession of marijuana over 4 ounces/under 5 pounds.
According to police, two females and the vehicle were released.
Amarillo Police said it sezied about 27 pounds of marijuana in 2011.
