AUGUST 28, 2023 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested one person after locating more than 130 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.
Friday, at approximately 7:40 a.m., a trooper observed an eastbound Cadillac CTS speeding near mile marker 228 in Dawson County. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle revealed more than 100 packages containing a total weight of 133 pounds of marijuana. The driver, Jose Aparicio Mendoza, 28, of Mexico, was arrested and lodged in Dawson County Jail.
Aparicio Mendoza was arraigned in Dawson County Court Monday afternoon on a single charge of Possession of Marijuana with intent to Distribute. A public defender was appointed to represent him. His bond was set at 10% of $150,000.
County Judge Jeff Wightman scheduled his next hearing for September 7, 2023 at 11:00am in the Dawson County Courtroom for preliminary hearing.
