An Illinois man is in jail after a trooper seizes 45.3 lbs. of marijuana during a traffic stop in Hamilton County.

At approximately 12:41 p.m., Thursday, March 26, a trooper stopped a 2006 Chevy pickup for speeding just off of the I-80 Giltner exit on County Road 9/J. An NSP Police Service Dog (PSD) alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the rear of the pickup. A probable cause search led to the seizure of 45.3 lbs. of marijuana. The marijuana contained in 42 packages was located in two suitcases in the bed of the pickup.

The driver of the pickup, James C. Slater Jr., 47, of Bartonville, Ill., was transported to the Hamilton County Jail.  He’s been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.