Photo: Image of bags of marijuana collected during arrest | Corning PD
Image of suspect Kyle Raymond Chidester| Corning PD
Law enforcement officials in Tehama County made a significant drug seizure after intercepting a U-Haul box truck allegedly carrying a large quantity of marijuana. The incident unfolded near the 900 block of Hwy 99w, where officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle as it passed by them.
According to reports, officers approached the driver of the U-Haul and inquired about the source of the odor. The driver claimed to be unaware of any illegal substances in the truck, stating that he was assisting a friend with a moving task.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the driver was the authorized leasee of the U-Haul. Upon obtaining consent, officers conducted a search of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of 106 large black trash bags containing various strains of marijuana. The total weight of the seized marijuana amounted to 2,360 pounds.
Authorities estimated the street value of the seized drugs at $472,000 for outdoor-grown marijuana and over $900,000 for indoor-grown marijuana.
The driver, identified as Kyle Raymond Chidester, was taken into custody and booked into the Tehama County Jail on charges related to the transportation and possession of illegal narcotics.
