Suitcase full of marijuana seized

SMITH COUNTY — A person has been arrested after a traffic stop in Smith County led officers to the discovery of a suitcase containing over 27 pounds of marijuana on Monday afternoon.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-20 for traveling in the left-hand lane while not passing. The driver was identified as Reinaldo Hernandez.

Deputies detected the odor of marijuana while speaking to Hernandez. After getting consent to search and being denied, a detective and his K-9 partner conducted a free-air sniff, which resulted in a positive result. They then located a suitcase in the bed of the vehicle. The suitcase contained 25 vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. The bags totaled a weight of 27.5 pounds.

Hernandez was arrested for possessing marijuana in an amount equal to or less than 50 pounds but greater than 5 pounds. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on Monday and was later released after posting bond.