Patrol: 300 pounds of marijuana found in traffic stop

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- An Austin, Texas, man is in custody after 300 pounds of marijuana was allegedly discovered in his vehicle.

Michael S. McHale, 42, was arrested Saturday on a charge of second-degree drug trafficking.

According to the probable-cause statement provided by New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney Lewis Recker, McHale's vehicle was stopped by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer Saturday on Interstate 55 after it was seen following another vehicle too closely and having a window tint violation.

After the officer was refused permission to search the vehicle, the patrol's canine was called for a vehicle sniff. The dog alerted officers to the vehicle's trunk and passenger door seam.

Inside the vehicle's trunk, officers found 12 bundles, the statement said. The officer stated that when he punctured one of the bundles he smelled marijuana. The material later tested positive as marijuana.

McHale was taken to the New Madrid County Jail where he was being held without bond pending his court appearance.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO