Traffic stop nets 36-pounds of marijuana

RENO - A traffic stop in Reno early Thursday morning ended with the seizure of 36 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of three suspected drug dealers.

Officers pulled over the truck, a 1951 Ford tow truck, at 3 a.m. on Highway 395 near Bordertown. During the stop, the deputy noted that Charles Asa Sanford, 36, the driver, was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant for traffic offenses.

While in the process of making the arrest, the officer reported he smelled a "strong odor of marijuana as he stood near the rear of the truck." Upon investigation, he reportedly saw a black bag filled with visible cellophane bags believed to contain the drugs.

An inventory of the truck revealed more drugs packaged in various-sized bags, reports state.

Two passengers, Robert Raymond Law, 42, and Justin Fisher, 18, were also arrested. The trio were charged with drug possession, transportation, and intent to sell and held in lieu of $6,000 bail.

All are from Reno.