Elderly Couple Caught With Huge Marijuana Stash, Says It Was For Gifting

Authorities revealed they arrested an elderly couple in York County, Nebraska, after they were found carrying 60 pounds of marijuana. York County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrest and said approximately 60 pounds of marijuana were found by them Dec. 19 after the department initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 80 (I-80), which is a transcontinental limited-access highway running from downtown San Francisco to Teaneck, New Jersey, in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

The department also said the couple, when asked about the possession of marijuana, revealed they planned to give it away as Christmas gifts. Lt. Paul Vrbka of the sheriff’s department told York-News-Times, a local news website of the county, the traffic stop was initiated after police saw a Toyota Tacoma driving over the center line and the driver failing to signal.

Vrbka also said as soon as authorities stopped the vehicle they could smell the strong odor of raw marijuana. He added the estimated street value of the seized product is $336,000 and that it was found in boxes stored inside the pickup topper.

According to reports, the suspects were identified as Patrick Jiron, 80, and Barbara Jiron, 83. Police added the elderly couple said they were both headed for Vermont and also revealed they originally hailed from Clearlake Oaks, Lake County, California.

The couple was detained at the York County Jail and charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp, both of which are felonies.

In another incident in October, a Florida couple received 65 pounds of marijuana with their Amazon order.

The couple, who chose to stay anonymous, told WGN-TV, an independent television station licensed to Chicago, they ordered 27-gallon storage containers to put some items away in storage. The report added the couple realized something was amiss when the containers appeared heavier than they should have been.

The couple opened the containers and were hit by the strong odor of marijuana. They immediately alerted the authorities, who launched an investigation into the matter. Reports suggested the couple, in fear of their safety, contacted Amazon customer service but were offered no support. They instead received a $150 gift card from the retailer and a message which read, “I am unable to do anything else at this time”.

“There was no concern for a customer’s safety. I mean, this could have turned into a worst-case scenario.”

Responding to the incident, Amazon had then said through a spokesperson, “Our customer service team worked directly with the customer to address concerns and will work with law enforcement to investigate the case, as needed.”

No arrests were made by the Orlando police in connection to the case.