Indiana I-90 Traffic Stop Leads to 220-Pound Marijuana Seizure

Porter County, IN - A traffic stop along Interstate 90 in Northwest Indiana led to the seizure of 220 pounds of marijuana Thursday morning, with two California men now facing potential drug charges, authorities said.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Department, an officer with its Highway Interdiction Team stopped a rental van on I-90 in Porter County for alleged traffic violations at approximately 7 a.m. Thursday.

During the stop, the officer noticed multiple large boxes inside the van. Authorities said the 34-year-old driver and his 27-year-old passenger told police they were traveling from California to New York.

Both men allegedly appeared unusually nervous during the encounter, according to the sheriff's department. A Lake County K-9 was then used and indicated the presence of narcotics, authorities said.

Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and allegedly discovered about 220 pounds of marijuana packed inside boxes bearing Home Depot branding, according to the department. Photos released by the sheriff's office show numerous packages and boxes authorities said were seized during the investigation.

The two suspects are from San Leandro, California. Their names were not immediately released.

Authorities said both men were detained before being released pending potential drug possession and dealing charges through Porter County.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional information was being released Thursday afternoon.

The seizure occurred on the Indiana Toll Road, a major interstate corridor connecting Northwest Indiana with the Chicago metropolitan area and points east.