HANCOCK COUNTY, Ind.
A traffic stop netted state police more than 185 pounds of marijuana hidden inside the shells of large speakers, authorities said.
A pickup truck was stopped just before 5 p.m. Tuesday on a traffic violation along eastbound Interstate 70 just west of State Road 9 in Hancock County.
The trooper smelled marijuana and initiated a search of the vehicle.
Dozens of packages of high-quality hydroponic marijuana were found hidden in speaker shells being hauled with musical instruments in the back of the truck, police said.
"The alleged marijuana that was located tonight is a very high-grade, hydroponic plant that would have an estimated street value of $900,000," said Sgt. Todd Wix.
The driver of the pickup, Joseph AG Ground, 29, of Maine, was arrested on preliminary charges of dealing marijuana and possession of marijuana.
Police said the load of drugs originated in California and was bound for Maine.
"(Senior) Trooper (Brad) Smith looked beyond the typical traffic stop and was successful in removing a large amount of alleged marijuana from the Indiana highways," Wix said.
Ground was being held at the Hancock County Jail on Tuesday evening.
Copyright 2011 by TheIndyChannel.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.