FHP makes major drug bust

A Texas man driving a rented SUV was arrested on drug charges Sunday night after troopers allegedly found more than 200 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle.
According to Florida Highway Patrol trooper Cory Harrison, the incident leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Rodolfo Vazquez started as a traffic stop.
Just before 4 p.m., Vazquez was pulled over for following another vehicle too closely on Interstate 10 in Washington County about three miles from the Jackson County line, Harrison said.
While Harrison wrote the citation for that offense, trooper Chris Ellis and canine Axel circled the SUV because the officers allegedly smelled the odor of marijuana,  saw marijuana residue in plain view in the vehicle and observed nervous behavior by Vazquez that led them to believe something was amiss.
When the dog alerted to the vehicle, a full search ensued, according to Harrison.
Nine compressed bales of marijuana were found, along with a small “user amount” of about two grams that was found in the front passenger seat.
Eight of the nine bales were found in the cargo area, and one was in the floor behind the passenger seat, Harrison reported. Together, the bales weighed about 202 pounds.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of $202,500.
Vazquez is listed as a resident of Laredo, Texas. He is charged with trafficking in marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana in relation to the small amount found near him.
Vazquez offered no resistance and was booked into the Washington County jail.