Courtesy photo

This photo shows the contents of a bust by the Hot Springs Police Department which included 35 pounds of raw marijuana, more than six pounds of THC wax and over $5,000 in cash.

______________________________

By Brett Nachtigall

Publisher

HOT SPRINGS – Two Minnesota men were arrested in Hot Springs on Tuesday, Aug. 8, after Hot Springs Police officers seized 35 pounds of raw marijuana, more than six pounds of THC wax and over $5,000 in cash, according to Police Chief Ross Norton who said the street value of items, depending on quality, varies anywhere from $200,000 - $300,000.

Chief Norton said the seizure was the result of an officer pulling over an eastbound SUV for a minor equipment violation, near the bottom of the Hwy. 18 truck bypass at the intersection of Indianapolis and S. 6th Street. Once the vehicle was pulled over, the officer began to interact with the two occupants which included a 37-year-old male driver and his 35-year-old male passenger.

During the officer’s interaction with the occupants, the odor of an illegal substance was noticed to be emitting from within the vehicle. With assistance from Fall River County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, a vehicle search was completed and the illegal items were discovered inside large contractor bags in the back of the vehicle.

The two occupants were then detained in the Fall River County Jail and later posted bail and released, but scheduled to return for a later court date.

Chief Norton said it was the largest drug bust his department has made since he took over as Chief of Police about one year ago.