Boxes filled with marijuana and THC products were discovered during a traffic stop Thursday near Alvord. SUBMITTED/WISE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana and related products were discovered during a Wise County traffic stop Thursday evening.
The seizure is believed to be the largest marijuana drug bust ever by the WCSO, according to Chief Deputy Eric Debus.
The drugs were found in a box truck that was southbound on U.S. 81/287 Thursday. Debus said the vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the Alvord area by a Special Enforcement Division K-9 operator.
It quickly became apparent that more criminal activity was afoot than just a traffic violation.
“The overwhelming smell of marijuana was pouring off the truck as the deputy approached,” Debus said.
With probable cause established, the deputy began an investigation and a search of the truck. The cargo area contained dozens of boxes with prepackaged marijuana and THC products arranged on pallets.
“Even after removing the packaging, we estimate 20,000 pounds of narcotics. It was definitely a smuggler load,” he said.
The estimated street value of the drugs is more than $50 million.
ARTUR VALERIEVICH MARTIROSYAN
The driver — identified as Artur Valerievich Martirosyan, 24, of Burbank, Calif. — was arrested and brought to the Wise County Jail. Debus said Martirosyan is an illegal immigrant from Armenia, so he is also being held on an immigration charge.
Due to the large amount of drugs, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was called in to take over the case. Debus said Martirosyan will be charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana more than 1,000 kilograms. The punishment range for the federal charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The investigation showed that the drugs were coming from California and headed to locations in the Dallas and Houston areas, Debus said.
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