Salem Traffic Stop Nets 24 Pounds of Marijuana

Both the driver and passenger face a long list of charges.

Photo: Salem Police Department

(SALEM) - Salem Police received a tip from a concerned citizen about a careless driver on the streets of Salem late Tuesday.

When Officer Jared Noack spotted the vehicle, the erratic driving confirmed he had located the right vehicle.

But what Officer Noack did not know at the time he contacted the driver was that there were 24 pounds of Marijuana hidden inside the cargo area of the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, Mario Alberto Andrade-Cerda, age 50 of Salem, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Giving False Information to Police.

Upon further investigation four small bindles of Marijuana were located.

K9 Jack and handler Officer Sean Cooper were called to assist and found an additional 24 pounds of Marijuana hidden in the cargo area of the vehicle.

Andrade-Cerda and passenger Jonathen Leyva, age 20 of Whittier, California were both charged with Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance within 1000 Feet of a School, Delivery of Controlled Substance, Delivery of Controlled Substance within 1000 Feet of a School.

Both were lodged at the Marion County Jail.