350 lbs. of pot seized in Seward County traffic stop

SEWARD -- Authorities seized 350 lbs. of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in southeast Nebraska.

A Seward County Sheriff's Deputy initiated a traffic stop at approximately 9:56 a.m. on Sunday, stopping a driver on I-80 eastbound near mile marker 382.

The deputy became suspicious of the driver, with the Seward County Sheriff's Office stating in a press release that the deputy had "multiple reasons" for suspicion. The sheriff's office says, with the consent of the driver, the deputy began to search the vehicle.

During the vehicle search, the deputy discovered seven large duffel bags, each of which contained 50 lbs. of marijuana. The total weight between all of the duffel bags amounted to 350 pounds.

The driver, Eric A. Espinoza, 19, of Kelseyville, CA was arrested for possession of marijuana more than 1 pound, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. The street value of all items seized is estimated around $350,000.