Man charged for reportedly possessing 115 pounds of marijuana near Geneva

Published 9:26 am Tuesday, November 28, 2017

An Oregon man who allegedly possessed 115 pounds of marijuana Thursday on Interstate 35 was charged with a felony Monday in Freeborn County District Court.

Chou Chang, 56, is charged with first-degree marijuana possession.

Chou Chang

Court documents state Chang was charged after a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was on patrol at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday when he conducted a traffic stop near the Geneva exit.

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The trooper reportedly noticed there was an excessive amount of luggage for one person, and Chang appeared nervous. A rear-seat area was covered by a tarp and a blanket.

Court documents state the trooper suspected Chang was moving marijuana.

A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed 115 plastic, heat-sealed bags, each containing about 1-pound of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was about 115 pounds.

District Court Judge Steven Schwab set conditional bail at $50,000. Chang’s next appearance is scheduled for Dec. 7. He was in custody as of Monday afternoon.

First-degree marijuana possession carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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