73 Pounds Of Marijuana Confiscated On I-95 In Harford County: Police

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Two traffic stops on Interstate 95 in Harford County netted more than 70 pounds of marijuana over the course of two days, according to Maryland State Police.

"The majority of drugs imported into Maryland arrive by vehicle," police said in a statement. "Patrol troopers understand their important role in being vigilant for the potential of encountering drug couriers during traffic stops."

In the latest incident, troopers stopped a Chevrolet Cruze for an alleged traffic violation on I-95 near MD 543. During the stop, which occurred after 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, police said there were signs of criminal activity, and a search was conducted.

Two bales of marijuana, wrapped in a masking agent to cover the scent, were found in the trunk, police said. Weighing nearly 59 pounds, the bales had a potential street value of $260,000, according to authorities.

Jermaine Higgins, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with drug possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess/distribute marijuana, drug importation from 5 to 45 kilograms, possession of a large amount of drugs and possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana.

Higgins was being held without bail, according to court records.

Troopers said they uncovered another batch of marijuana within miles, during a traffic stop the previous day.

Valerie Simmons, 37, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was stopped on I-95 near the Maryland House for a traffic violation after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, police said.

She was cited for speeding as well as driving without a license in her 2017 Nissan Altima. Court records show she was driving 82 mph in a 65 mph zone on I-95 south near mile marker 82.2.

During the traffic stop, the trooper noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and found a small amount of pot in the car and 14 vacuum-sealed bags of weed weighing more than 15 pounds in the trunk, police said.

The marijuana had an estimated street value of $67,500, according to officials.

Simmons was charged with drug possession with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess/distribute marijuana, drug importation from 5 to 45 kilograms and possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana.

After appearing before a court commissioner, police said Simmons was held on $25,000 bond. Court records indicate she was released on Friday, March 24.

The passenger in her car — Orlando Garland, 37, also of Fayetteville, North Carolina — was also arrested.

He was charged with drug possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess/distribute marijuana, drug importation from 5 to 45 kilograms and drug possession.

He was held with bail set at $250,000, court records show.

Troopers say they will continue to be on the lookout for violators.

Said police: "Regardless of where state troopers are patrolling, they remain on the alert for not only traffic violations, but criminal activity that may be underway."