Sheriff's deputies seize 21 pounds of Marijuana

Two Houston men were arrested and 21 pounds of a substance believed to be marijuana were seized during a midnight traffic stop just north of Rusk, Thursday, said Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell. Arrested were Nichael Jovan Griffin and Eric Bernard Branch, both 23 of Houston.

Sheriff Campbell said Deputy Michael Goff stopped the vehicle north of Rusk for a defective headlamp.

The two men told Deputy Goff conflicting stories about their destination and the passenger of the vehicle said he had no identification.

Sheriff Campbell said Deputy Matt Poole arrived to assist Deputy Goff and the officers received permission to search the vehicle. Deputies found four rolled blunts of what appeared to be marijuana in the glove compartment and a duffel bag in the trunk which contained 21 pounds of the same substance.

Mr. Griffin and Mr. Branch were arrested for Felony Possession of Marijuana 5-50 lbs, which carries a punishment from two to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Pct. Three Justice of the Peace James Morris set bonds on Mr. Griffith and Mr. Branch at $25,000 each. Mr. Branch had a theft warrant out of Harris County with an $80,000 bond.