Police seize 70 pounds of marijuana in traffic stop

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On Feb. 19, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Kokomo Police Department Officer Dick Toth #468 was conducting routine patrol in the area of downtown Kokomo. Toth observed a cargo van commit a traffic infraction and conducted a routine traffic stop on the vehicle.

Officers approached the cargo van and identified the driver as Eric Michael Ward of Pacifica, CA. While speaking to Eric, officers were able to establish probable cause to search the cargo van and its contents.

While conducting a search of the cargo van, Officers located and seized:

• Approximately 60 vacuum seal bags, containing plant material that tested positive for marijuana, with a total field weight of more than 70 pounds
• Large bundles of assorted U.S. currency totaling more than $40,000

Ward was arrested and transported to the Howard County Jail where he was charged with:

• I.C. 35-48-4-10(c) Dealing Marijuana, a Level 5 Felony
• I.C. 35-48-4-11(a) Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor

Anyone with information regarding this operation is asked to contact Officer Dick Toth (765-457-1105) or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline (765-456-7017). You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. This case remains active for investigation. Remember all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.