Elderly Couple Say 60 Pounds Of Pot Was For Christmas Gifts

BRADSHAW, NE — A couple in their 80s apparently wanted everyone to have a high time at Christmas, but that won’t happen after they were busted in Nebraska earlier this month as they traveled along Interstate 80 in Nebraska with 60 pounds of high-grade marijuana in their vehicle, police said. Patrick Jiron, 80, and his wife, Barbara Jiron, 83, were hauled off to jail Dec. 19 after police found the pot, which authorities said was valued at $336,000.

The Jirons, who are from Clearlake Oaks, California, told the York County Sheriff’s Department they were on the way to Vermont and planned to give the cannabis as Christmas gifts. Police gave a big “bah, humbug” to their explanation, and booked them. They face felony charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp.

A deputy from the sheriff’s department stopped their Toyota Tacoma pickup on a traffic violation.

Lt. Paul Vrbka of the sheriff’s department told the York New Times newspaper the driver of the pickup crossed the center line and also failed to use a turn signal. The deputy could smell the odor of raw marijuana, and a canine officer was dispatched, giving officers probable cause to search the vehicle, he said.

In the bed of the pickup, which was covered with a topper, police found bags and bags of marijuana. Some of the weed was stuffed inside a large used plastic cheese ball, according to reports.

The Jirons remained in custody of the York County Sheriff’s Department as of Thursday, according to reports.

See Also: Why Some Americans Think Pot Is The Perfect Christmas Gift

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