Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Two Jailed Here After I-80 Drug Bust

100 Pounds Of Marijuana Found; Driver Tried To Flee

Nebraska State Patrol troopers arrested two men after locating more than 100 pounds of suspected marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Kimball County, the patrol said.

The incident report states that at approximately 1:25 p.m. March 2, a trooper performed a traffic stop on an eastbound Chrysler 300 for speeding on I-80 near mile marker 18.

During the traffic stop, the trooper said he detected the odor of marijuana. As the trooper was preparing to search the vehicle, the driver attempted to flee on foot. The trooper pursued on foot. A bystander stopped on the scene and assisted the trooper in taking the driver into custody.

A search of the vehicle revealed numerous bags of suspected marijuana contained in duffle bags in the rear of the vehicle, the patrol said. The total weight was about 120 pounds.

The driver, Daniel Ledbetter, 42, of Atlantic City, N.J., and passenger, Keith Wyatt, 48, of Sacramento, Calif., were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp. Ledbetter also was arrested for resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer.

Both were lodged in Kimball County Jail.