300 Pounds?! Massive Cannabis Haul Found During Malta Traffic Stop

A Lot of Pot

A routine traffic stop on the Northway in Malta turned into a major drug bust after New York State Police say they discovered approximately 300 pounds of cannabis inside a vehicle.

According to State Police, members of the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit and the United States Border Patrol stopped a vehicle on the Northway just before 11 am on Wednesday, June 17th, for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as 41-year-old Tyler Thompson of Schenectady.

With the assistance of State Police K9 "J," investigators reportedly found about 300 pounds of cannabis inside the vehicle.

How Significant is 300 Lbs of Pot?

To put that amount into perspective, 300 pounds equals more than 136,000 grams and would be enough to roll hundreds of thousands of joints. Heavy marijuana users typically consume one to three ounces a month, meaning this quantity would last one person well over a thousand years.

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Depending on the quality and market, experts estimate that 300 pounds of cannabis could be worth anywhere from about $150,000 to more than $1 million. The amount also far exceeds legal possession limits and is generally associated with commercial-scale cultivation or trafficking rather than personal use.

300 pounds of pot.  Photo: NYSP

Facing Felony Charges

Thompson was charged with first-degree criminal possession of cannabis, a Class D felony, along with vehicle and traffic law violations. He was transported to the State Police in Saratoga for processing.

Police say Thompson was later arraigned in Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email me at Brian@wgna.com to update it.