By Jean Cole
jean@athensnews-courier.com
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An Alabama state trooper pulled a motorist over for speeding Saturday morning and found a little more than expected.
The driver and passenger were hauling 40 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Lance Royals said Monday.
Corporal John Singletary had stopped the driver for speeding on Interstate 565 in Limestone County when he found the stash in the vehicle. A drug bust of this size usually does not occur without a long investigation, informants and controlled drug buys.
Charged with trafficking marijuana were Eric Cortney Edwards II, 33, of 3211 Lockie St., Huntsville, and Bruce Edward Howard, 31, of 3605 Nathalee Ave., Huntsville. Both men were transferred to the Limestone County Jail, where they were released Monday after each posted a $50,000 bail bond.
Alabama State Trooper spokesman Curtis Summerville was not available Monday for details about the bust.
Under Alabama law, a person can be charged with trafficking marijuana, a felony, if he or she is found carrying between 2.2 and 100 pounds. Conviction carries a mandatory minimum term of three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
