Utah Traffic stop for speeding nets 104 pounds of pot

A man faces much more than a speeding ticket after an officer pulled him over and reportedly found 104 pounds of pot in his van.

The 22-year-old was charged in 3rd District Court Friday with possessing 100 or more pounds of marijuana, a second-degree felony; the intent to distribute the drugs, a third-degree felony; and speeding.

On Nov. 27, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper in Summit County saw a gray Dodge van speeding east on Interstate 80 near mile post 148. The trooper determined with radar that the van was going 71 mph in a 65 mph zone.

He pulled the driver over and brought a narcotics-sniffing dog to the van, who indicated drugs in the rear of the vehicle, according to the charges.

Troopers found about 104 pounds of a leafy green substance — which tested positive for marijuana — vacuum-sealed and hidden in five large black duffel bags, the charges state.

mmcfall@sltrib.com