When Washington State Patrol (WAP) troopers stopped a reported erratically driven vehicle they didn’t just arrest the driver for driving while under the influence (DUI), they also seized 31 pounds of marijuana that was sitting in the back seat.

WSP communications received a citizen’s report of an erratically driven Ford Excursion northbound I-5 near Southcenter at approximately 11:31 p.m., in Tukwila Thursday. The reporting party continued to follow the vehicle until King County troopers stopped it on I-405 in Kirkland for equipment and driving violations. During the contact, the trooper could smell an overwhelming odor of marijuana and observed several indicators of marijuana impairment on the driver.

Byron Gilbert Pickle, a 68 year-old California resident, was arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana. During a search, the trooper located the 31 pounds of marijuana, packaged in several 1 gallon clear plastic Ziplock bags, sitting on the back seat of his SUV. The trooper also located over $2,700 rolled up in $20 bills in Pickle’s pockets.

The Eastside Narcotics Task Force, which consists of State Troopers, King County Sheriff’s Deputies, and officers from Redmond, Bellevue, and Mercer Island police departments, seized the $2,700 in cash, Pickle’s vehicle, and the 31 pounds of marijuana. Pickle is facing charges of felony possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.