Indiana State Police discovered more than a half-ton of marijuana during a routine traffic stop in Northwest Indiana with the aid of a K-9 police dog. It has been reported that a marijuana stash of this magnitude has an estimated street value of more than $8 million.

In a news release, the Indiana police gave a breakdown of the events leading up to the van's interception of this illegal marijuana transport for a routine search at about 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16, after being pulled over for a simple driving violation in the town of Lowell.

According to the statement released by officials, the driver of the van, identified as 31-year-old Christopher S. Colburn of McKinleyville, California, was then interviewed by the state trooper. The interrogation evolved into a more detailed examination of the vehicle's exterior. Indiana State Police police dog was dispatched to the scene picked up on the scent of marijuana. Following the K-9's signal to the trooper, the officer asked the man to explain what was held inside the vehicle

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"During the search, troopers found 38 big boxes and six black garbage bags," Indiana State Police said in a statement. "The boxes were individually covered in black plastic wrap." Inside the boxes were 1,264 individually wrapped bags, each weighing around 1.5 pounds and containing green plant material. They further explained, "A field examination of the substance showed it to be marijuana."

Christopher S. Colburn was immediately apprehended and taken into custody shortly after the search. Colburn is facing charges of marijuana dealing and marijuana possession with a felony arrest.

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