Faribault County’s K9 officer was involved in a drug bust netting nearly 40 pounds of marijuana worth several thousands of dollars on April 7.
When a State Trooper stopped a car for speeding on Interstate 90, according to court papers, he reportedly smelled an overwhelming odor of marijuana.
That’s when he called in Zeus and his handler Deputy Brittney Gehrking to help search the vehicle.
Court documents say that officers found 38 pounds of marijuana and 1.5 pounds of THC wax.
“The street value of marijuana has gone down because it’s legal to buy in some states,” says Troy Christianson , patrol information officer in Rochester. “The marijuana is worth $2,000 to $4,000 a pound and the THC $50 to $60 a gram.”
Based on Christianson’s estimates, $76,000 to $152,000 worth of marijuana and $34,000 to nearly $41,000 of THC was seized.
Chief Deputy Scott Adams says Gehrking and Zeus are frequently asked to assist in cases when drugs are suspected.
“They average five times a month,” says Adams. “Last month it was six and so far this month it’s been five.”
Zion Jordan, 21, and Sayvonne Jordan, 23, both of Iowa City, Iowa, have been charged in Faribault County District Court with third-degree felony possession of 10 kilos or more of marijuana mixture.
Court documents say that Sayvonne Jordan was driving the car without a license and gave the trooper a false name when pulled over.
After providing his real name, the trooper discovered Jordan was wanted on multiple felony warrants in Iowa. He also was charged with giving a peace officer a false name, which is a gross misdemeanor.