STEUBEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police are reminding Hoosiers that marijuana is still illegal in the state. It comes after a man was arrested in Steuben County coming back from Michigan with a large amount.
Police say that they stopped the man on I-69 with a large package marked “CANNABIS GUMMIES” in the front seat.
After a search of the car, police found over seven pounds of edibles and eight pounds of pot. He was arrested on several charges.
Indiana State Police took the opportunity to remind Hoosiers that marijuana in any form is still illegal to possess in the state.
As a general reminder for Indiana residents, as well as others that choose to legally purchase Marijuana products in another state… Marijuana in any form (such as Cannabis/THC edibles, waxes, oils, vape cartridges, etc) is illegal to possess in the state of Indiana. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired with these drugs. If you choose to purchase and/or consume Marijuana in a state where it is considered lawful to purchase and possess, it would be advisable not to bring your purchases back to Indiana.
The following was issued after the traffic stop:
On Monday February 6, 2023 shortly before 3:00pm, an Indiana State Trooper stopped a silver Honda passenger car for a speeding violation on I-69 in Steuben County, just a few miles south of the Michigan state line.
During the course of the traffic stop the driver was identified as Matthew Scott Bell (45) of Beech Grove Indiana. While identifying the driver, the trooper observed a sealed package laying in plain view on the front passenger seat that was clearly labeled “RSO CANNABIS GUMMIES”. When asked about the package, the driver advised the trooper that the cannabis product was legally purchased in Michigan. The trooper reminded Mr. Bell that Marijuana products are illegal in Indiana.
The probable cause search of the vehicle that followed revealed over eight (8) pounds of suspected Marijuana and over seven (7) pounds of packaged edible products, along with a whole assortment of other Marijuana related products and paraphernalia.
Mr. Bell was placed under arrest and transported to the Steuben County jail, where he was incarcerated on related criminal charges.
ARRESTED: MATTHEW SCOTT BELL (45) of Beech Grove, Indiana
CHARGES:
Dealing Marijuana, Level 5
Dealing Marijuana, Level 6,
Dealing Marijuana, A Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana, A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia, B Misdemeanor
*All suspects named in this release are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges listed merely allegations and are preliminary at the time of arrest. The determination of charges to be filed will be at the discretion of the Steuben County Prosecutor.