Authorities in western Iowa’s Cass County seized 95-pounds of marijuana following a Monday traffic stop on Interstate 80. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, 59-year old Natividad Valdovina Verdin and 49-year old Javier Ruiz Sanchez — both from Mexico — were in a 1991 Toyota Mini-van that was stopped on I-80 eastbound, near the Wiota exit, at about 3:30.
The van was pulled over after authorities received a complaint about a possible intoxicated driver. When deputies searched the van, they observed several open containers and an allegedly intoxicated passenger. A more thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of marijuana that was located inside hidden compartments.
Both men were charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. Sheriff’s officials say the Department of Immigrations and customs enforcement has been contacted, and both men will be turned over to their custody.