Jasper County-Indiana State Police Master Trooper Rick Hudson stopped a car for exceeding the speed limit on the interstate and discovered thirty pounds of marijuana.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Friday afternoon, Trooper Hudson stopped a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis on I-65 north bound at the 230 mile marker (Demotte/Roselawn exit) for doing ninety-four (94) miles-per-hour in a well posted fifty-five (55) miles-per-hour construction zone.  The driver, identified as Brian K. Fortner, 37 of Maywood, Illinois, did not have a valid driver's license and the Grand Marquis (rental car) was not rented in his name.  Further investigation gave Hudson an indication of illegal activity.

Senior Trooper Aaron Trammel and his K-9 partner Rykr responded to the scene.  Rykr alerted on the Mercury.  Verbal consent from Fortner was also given to search the Mercury.  Three duffel bags in the trunk were found; each of them contained ten (10) one pound sealed food bags of hydroponic marijuana.  Each bag was labeled with a different "brand" of marijuana.  Approximate street value is $180,000.00.

Fortner was arrested and charged with Dealing Marijuana Over Thirty Pounds a Class C Felony.  He was taken to Jasper County Jail.

Assisting: Troopers Carl Hall and Chad Witherington.

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