More than 200 pounds of cannabis was seized and a driver was arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Berkeley during the Monday evening commute, authorities said.
Around 5:30 p.m., officers from the Oakland Area office pulled over a Chrysler SUV traveling westbound near Gilman Avenue after the driver was allegedly on their cellphone.
During the traffic stop, officers said they detected a "strong odor of cannabis" coming from the vehicle. In addition, multiple large trash bags were seen in the rear cargo area of the SUV.
Officers conducted a probable cause search. According to the CHP, 218 pounds of cannabis was seized and booked into evidence.
More than 200 pounds of cannabis that CHP officers said they seized during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Berkeley on Oct. 6