Approximate location of traffic stop | Google Maps
SANTA ROSA – According to a Community Bulletin released by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Rosa Area, more than ¾ of a ton of marijuana was confiscated during an otherwise routine traffic stop.
On Thursday, February 4th, at approximately 3:30, a CHP K-9 Unit conducted a vehicle enforcement stop on southbound Highway 101 just south of the Highway 128 Cloverdale off-ramps. A white 2007 Chevy pick-up truck was spotted with a tinted windshield. (The California vehicle code prohibits the use of aftermarket tinted windshields beyond narrow visor strips.)
The pick-up truck was pulling a fully enclosed equipment trailer that was approximately 15’ in length with the rear doors and a small side door both secured with padlocks.
The officer and driver talked for several minutes when the officer began to smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the vicinity of the truck and trailer. The K-9 was deployed and shortly thereafter alerted on the front right side of the trailer.
The officer opened the rear doors of the trailer and saw that the entire trailer was filled with large black plastic garbage bags tied shut at the tops. Further investigation revealed that the bags contained marijuana.
The driver of the pick-up truck was identified as 33-year-old Christopher Potter, a resident of Ukiah. Potter was placed under arrest and the truck and trailer were impounded at the Santa Rosa Area office of the CHP. Authorities have determined that the trailer was carrying over 1,600 pounds of marijuana.
