Traffic Stop Yields Large Amount of Marijuana

ADAMS COUNTY, IN - Two men, one from Decatur, Michigan and one from Elkhart, Indiana were arrested early Thursday morning by Indiana State Trooper Kris Coffey, for possessing approximately 60 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of the car that they were driving. 

At approximately 1:23 am, Coffey and Decatur Police Officer Jamie Tharp, initiated a traffic stop in US 27 near County Road 900 N.  During the course of the stop, Adams County Sheriff Deputy Pat Piper and his canine partner, Hegus, arrived to provide their trained assistance. 

Hegus hit on the trunk and during the subsequent search, two cardboard boxes were located, each of which contained a large, plastic wrapped block of marijuana.  Preliminary non-certified weight of each block was said to be approximately 30 pounds.

The men, identified as Francisco Javier Moreno-Albarran, 23, of Decatur, Michigan and Rodolfo M. Moreno, 18, of Elkhart, Indiana were taken into custody and incarcerated at the Adams County Jail.  They were originally on their way to Elkhart from Columbus, Ohio when they were stopped. 

According to Master Trooper Al Morris, Coordinator for the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Team at the Fort Wayne Post, the marijuana seized has a street value of $800-$1000 per pound. 

Agencies assisting:  Adams County Sheriff Department, Decatur Police Department and the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Arrested and charged: 

• Francisco Javier Moreno-Albarran, 23, 48241 Ave 92, Decatur, MI
• Rodolfo M. Moreno, 18, 25681 N. Park Ave., Elkhart, IN

Both men charged with Possession of Marijuana, Over 10 pounds, With Intent to Deliver, Class C Felony.

Source: Indiana State Police