Police K-9 Smells Pot In Car, Darien Man Busted

WESTPORT, CT — A 23-year-old Darien man was arrested in Westport over the weekend after a police service dog smelled what turned out to be 16 grams of marijuana in his vehicle, according to police.

Mark Smeland was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a Westport officer pulled Smeland over at about the 7:30 p.m. on the Post Road East.

"As the Officer approached the driver window of the vehicle there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle," wrote police in a statement. "The operator, Mark Smeland, appeared to be very nervous and was shaking. K9 Officer Dave Scinto and police service dog Atlas were requested to the scene. Officer Scinto deployed K9 Atlas inside the vehicle. K9 Atlas alerted to a small back pack type bag which was in the front of the vehicle. Inside the bag was a clear Rubbermaid container which contained clear saran wrap which had marijuana inside. Also located was a grinder inside the vehicle."

Smeland was released after posting a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on May 17.

Photo of Westport Police K-9 Atlas via the department; photo of Mark Smeland, also via the department