SAN ANGELO – A deputy with the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office made one of the largest marijuana busts ever in Tom Green County after he stopped a driver who had nearly 300 pounds of the devils lettuce Wednesday.
According to court documents, on Sep. 1, a deputy with the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office was patrolling near the intersection of Grape Creek Rd. and U.S Highway 87.
During his patrol the deputy saw a white Ford F-250 that was driving the wrong way on a one way road near 8222 U.S. Highway 87. The truck was pulled over and the driver was identified as Benjamin Tritsch, 29, of Houston.
Tritsch told the deputy that he was traveling from Albuquerque, N.M. back home to Houston. During their conversation the deputy noticed Tritsch show many different signs of deception and was extremely nervous.
The deputy then asked Tritsch if he could search the vehicle. Tritsch denied the request and the deputy contacted the San Angelo Police Department and requested a K-9.
K-9 officer Jack smelled the vehicle and instantly alerted to the bed of the truck.
During the probable cause search, police discovered 275.8 pounds of marijuana separated in 197 vacuumed sealed bags.
8222 U.S. Highway 87 North (Contributed: Google Maps)
In a reddit post from 2013 a user shared a photo of what 300 pounds of marijuana looks like in the back of a vehicle.
What 300 Pounds of Marijuana Looks Like (Contributed: Reddit)
Tritsch was then arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Facility. He is charged with delivery of marijuana 50 to 2000 pounds. HIs bond is set at $75,000.
UPDATE SEP. 2 10:45 A.M.
The following is the official press release from the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office:
The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office seized over 275 pounds of hydroponic marijuana after a deputy stopped a vehicle in Tom Green County.
On September 1, 2021, at approximately 11:05 PM, a Tom Green County deputy conducted a traffic stop of a 2018 Ford F250 for a traffic violation in the area of North Grape Creek Road and U.S. Highway 87. During the stop and subsequent interview with the driver, the deputy observed indicators of possible drug trafficking and requested a San Angelo Police Department Canine to assist. The police canine was deployed and made a positive alert on the vehicle, indicating the presence of narcotics. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered 197 vacuum-sealed packages of hydroponic marijuana concealed in the truck bed.
The driver, Benjamin Tritsch, 29, of Houston, was arrested and charged with Felony Delivery of Marijuana greater than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds. Tritsch was transported and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center. The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately $1,626,000.00.
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