A traffic stop on Interstate 80 eastbound in Council Bluffs, Monday afternoon led to the arrest of a California man, and the recovery of nearly 35-pounds of marijuana. Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department spokesman, Sgt. Dwayne Riche told KJAN News Deputy Brian Miller pulled a 2011 Dodge Nitro over for speeding at around 3:10-p.m. Monday, near the 5-mile marker on I-80. After speaking with the driver of the car, 30-year old Zachary Hunter, of Eureka, CA, Miller asked for but was denied, permission to search the vehicle. When Miller and his K-9 partner “Francisco” conducted a free-air search around the car, the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

Sgt Riche says during a search of the vehicle, Deputy Miller located a cardboard box containing expansion spray foam. After the foam was cut away from the box, plastic bags of marijuana were found, amounting to 34.45-pounds. Hunter was taken into custody on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, Prohibited Acts, and Violation of the Drug Tax Stamp. He was also issued a Warning citation for speeding. Hunter was brought to the Pott. County Jail and later posted a $5,000 bond before being released.

A man and woman from Shenandoah have been arrested following an investigation into stolen vehicle. 29-year old Curtis L. Mattox faces charges of 2^nd Degree theft, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. 30-year old Tamara Reynolds was also taken into custody on a charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Their arrests occurred at a residence in the 600 block of Northwest Road, in Shenandoah, and was the result of an investigation into the disappearance of a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup belonging to Mid-American Energy, early Tuesday morning. The vehicle was recovered that same day, in Shenandoah.

Mattox and Reynolds were brought to the Page County Jail. Authorities say Mattox was subsequently released after posting a $5,000 bond, while Reynolds posted a $300 bond before being released. Shenandoah Police say their investigation continues into the incident, with additional charges pending completion of the investigation.