Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two men and seized 290 pounds of marijuana and other products during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.

The traffic stop occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. Wednesday when a trooper observed an eastbound, maroon Freightliner pulling a box trailer make an improper lane change at mile marker 279 near Kearney. The semi also had a lighting defect.

During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from the semi-trailer. A search of the vehicle revealed 284 pounds of raw marijuana, 2.5 pounds of marijuana wax, and 3.6 pounds of marijuana-infused vape tubes. The estimated street value is more than $1,000,000.

Luis Lopez, 48, of Bakersfield, California, and Kenneth Keepes, 48, or Culver, Oregon, were both arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no Drug Tax stamp. Both men were lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

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