Reports of an erratic driver on Interstate 80 over the weekend led to a short pursuit and the seizure of 137.5 lbs. of marijuana.
Just after 11:00 a.m., Sunday, December 15, Communications Specialists in Troop A-Omaha, received several reports of a green SUV pulling a trailer speeding and driving erratically eastbound on Interstate 80. An NSP aircraft in the area for a traffic selective located the vehicle and followed it from the air. Near the L street exit on I-80, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle, which failed to stop, exited at 72nd street and headed south, before turning east on Harrison. The driver then turned onto a residential street which led to an open field where the vehicle became disabled.
The driver of the SUV, Hector C. Toscano, 34, Visalia, Calif., was taken into custody without incident. An inventory of the vehicle led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. An NSP canine indicated to the odor of drugs coming from the trailer. A search of the trailer led to the discovery of 137.5 lbs. of marijuana. The marijuana packaged in 124 bundles was located in a hidden compartment in the front of the trailer.
Toscano was lodged in the Sarpy County Jail on charges to include, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, and Speeding.