PHOTO COURTESY OF OSP
The man’s misfortune began with an Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop Thursday afternoon along Highway 140 near Lakeview. At approximately 12:51 p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a rented 2013 Ford Explorer displaying Idaho license plates eastbound on Highway 140W near milepost 95 for a speed violation approaching the city of Lakeview.
Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the help of an OSP drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 117 pounds of marijuana in 94 individually sealed packages. The marijuana was concealed inside a large gun safe carried in the back of the sport utility vehicle. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is approximately $290,000.
The driver, Paul William Houfek, 31, was arrested and lodged in the Lake County Jail for unlawful possession, manufacture, and distribution of a controlled substance.
The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation.
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