A Los Alamitos Police Department officer seized $132,000 worth of marijuana on Wednesday morning, March 17.
As a result of the seizure, a Los Angeles man and an Oregon resident were arrested on drug-related charges, including transportation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.
Cpl. Michael Fisoni was on patrol at approximately 10:30 a.m. when he spied a late model red Ford Mustang parked in front of an apartment building on the 3800 block of Howard Avenue.
The car was occupied by two adult men. According to a press release issued by Capt. Bruce McAlpine, the passenger compartment of the car gave off a strong odor of marijuana.
The officer searched the vehicle and found 45 pounds of marijuana hidden in three large duffel bags.
Fisoni arrested the two men, who have been identified by the Los Al Police as Jeffrey Palk of Los Angeles and Scott Alexander of Oregon.
McAlpine told the Sun Newspapers that Palk and Alexander were released on bail the day of their arrest. Bail was set at $25,000.
Asked if the arrest would make a significant dent in the local pot trade, McAlpine said: “We’re hoping it makes a significant difference, at least for a little bit.”
McAlpine said that every officer dreams of making a big drug arrest. However, following the marijuana seizure, Fisoni spent several hours writing reports—so the thrill was short-lived.
Detectives then identified the Howard Avenue apartment that the marijuana was supposed to be delivered to and served a search warrant on that apartment.
There, they found another two pounds of marijuana and other paraphernalia. According to the Los Alamitos Police statement, the 45 pounds of marijuana have a street value of $132,000.
Police are looking for the tenant who rented the apartment. They are not releasing his name to the public. However, detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for the tenant.
McAlpine said they intend to bring him to justice. He said the department hopes to identify yet another source of the marijuana.
