Cheyenne Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana Bust

A 69-year-old Cheyenne man is facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop in west Cheyenne.

Obscured License Plate Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

According to a booking sheet, a police officer stopped Joe Edward Powell at Pioneer Avenue and West 29th Street at 5:51 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, for having an obscured license plate.

While speaking with Powell, the officer said he noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

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When officers searched the vehicle, they reportedly found multiple individual baggies of suspected marijuana and a large amount of cash.

READ MORE: Annual Cheyenne Police Report Shows Crime Increased in 2023

Powell was arrested and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center for felony possession of marijuana, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both, and unlawful manufacture or delivery of marijuana, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

UPDATE:

Powell made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Thursday afternoon, during which his bond was set at $2,000 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 11 at 10:30 a.m.