CMV trooper discovers marijuana scent masked with yellow mustard

Indiana State Troopers from the Putnamville post seized 36 packages of marijuana Thursday evening with the scent masked by yellow mustard. The 48 pounds of marijuana has an estimated value of $200,000.

Courtesy Indiana State Police

PUTNAMVILLE -- Indiana State Troopers seized nearly 50 pounds of marijuana and arrested a California man on felony charges following a routine safety inspection Thursday evening in Putnam County.

At 6:34 p.m. an ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement trooper stopped a 2014 International tractor pulling a box trailer on eastbound Interstate 70 near the 36-mile marker, five miles west of Cloverdale.

The semi was reportedly traveling from California to Pennsylvania hauling television parts.

Richard Sherman

As the trooper initiated conversations with the driver, he noticed an overwhelming smell of what seemed to be yellow mustard coming from within the cab area. Other indicators of possible criminal activity were noticed as well, State Police reported.

A subsequent search of the cab revealed approximately 48 pounds of packaged high-grade marijuana covered in yellow mustard.

The 36 individual packages were weighed individually and ranged from approximately 1.25 to 1.50 pounds each, with a total street value estimated at $200,000.

Troopers arrested the driver, 52-year-old Richard Sherman of El Cajon, Calif., and took him to the Putnam County Jail.

Sherman is preliminarily charged with Level 5 felony dealing marijuana more than 10 pounds and Level 6 felony possession of marijuana more than 10 pounds.

Official charges will be determined by the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office.