Trooper Catches PA Driver on Rte. 95 with 317 Lbs. of Pot

Warwick, R.I. — A Trooper stopped a minivan with PA plates Monday for straying from marked lanes on Rte. 95 in Warwick, then followed his nose to the discovery of 317 lbs. of marijuana in the vehicle.

The trooper ultimately arrested Jian Zhi Li, age 44, of 1724 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, charging him with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver and Manufacturing/Possessing/Delivery of Marijuana Over 5 kilograms, according to a release posted to the RI State Police’s website.

During the traffic stop, the trooper detected an odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the van. A search of the vehicle revealed 327 vacuum sealed plastic bundles of marijuana that were packaged in twelve large cardboard boxes located in the rear of the minivan. The total weight of the packaged marijuana was three hundred and seventeen 317 lbs.

Li was placed into custody without incident and transported to the Wickford Barracks, where he was held overnight. He was arraigned in Third District Court on Tuesday, April 19 before the Honorable Associate Judge Pamela Woodcock-Pfeiffer, and held without bail.

A conviction for possession of marijuana over 5 kilograms with intent to deliver carries a prison sentence of up to life in prison and a fine of not more than $1 million.