MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — A traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to the arrest of a Santa Rosa man after a California Highway Patrol K-9 officer discovered approximately 350 pounds of processed marijuana and $70,000 in cash.
On Thursday, a CHP officer pulled over a 2023 Dodge truck for a traffic violation on northbound I-5, north of State Route 165.
[RELATED]50 lbs. of magic mushrooms found during traffic stop in Fresno CO.
The officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and spotted several indicators suggesting the driver was involved in criminal activity.
The officer’s canine partner, Shei, was deployed to inspect the exterior of the truck and gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of marijuana and cash.
41-year-old Robert Christopher Dagostino was taken into custody and is facing charges including possession of marijuana for sale, transportation of marijuana across noncontiguous counties, and money laundering.
The case has been handed over to the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET).
A traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to the arrest of a Santa Rosa mana California Highway Patrol K-9 officer discovered approximately 350 pounds of processed ma Read More
