100 pounds of marijuana seized in traffic stop

More than 100 pounds of marijuana have been seized in a traffic stop near the Salt Lake City International Airport.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper said he stopped a Chevrolet Uplander van for drifting into another lane on I-80 near the Bangerter Highway interchange about 11 p.m. Thursday night.

"I noticed a white blanket covering several duffle bags in the cargo area and the third row seats had been removed," UHP Trooper David Moreno wrote in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News. "I noticed a young Asian/Hispanic male in his 20's driving a grandma van alone, a wireless cell phone still in the box, a pre-paid calling card, nervous behavior, hands shaking, lips quivering, defensive body language, short responses, road atlas, single occupant, rental vehicle and not to mention the overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the inside of the van."

The man refused to answer questions, the UHP said. After a search of the van, police found seven duffel bags filled with marijuana. Troopers also seized $2,500 in cash. The man was booked into jail on drug charges, the UHP said.