Southeast Missouri traffic stop yields marijuana bust

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A St. Louis man was arrested after the Missouri State Highway Patrol said three pounds of marijuana were found in his vehicle.

At about 2 p.m. Thursday, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 55 in New Madrid County for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper noticed the odor of burnt marijuana.

After consent to search was obtained from the driver, Samuel E. Whitt Jr., 26, three pounds of marijuana were found in the trunk, police said.

Whitt was arrested and taken to the New Madrid County Jail. He is charged with distribution or attempt to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, operating a vehicle without a valid license and following another vehicle too closely. On Monday, Whitt posted a $25,000 surety bond and is to return to court May 28.