Interstate Traffic Stop Turns Into 68-Pound Pot Bust

Austin police were in for a surprise after a Oct. 15 morning traffic stop resulted in finding 68 pounds of marijuana.

Ricardo Rubio Jr., 31, was arrested and is being charged with possession of marijuana. The police said The Austin Police Department Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet pickup for violating a Texas state traffic law in South Austin around 10:40 a.m. near the I-35 and Oltrof Street intersection.    

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Austin Police Department investigators said that the marijuana was found in a hidden compartment in the vehicle. Rubio is not a current resident of Austin and was traveling through the city. Recent legislation has moved cannabis possession from a Class A felony to a Class B misdemeanor in Austin. 

[Photo: Austin Police Department]