Another traffic stop on I-70, another large drug bust by UHP

For the third time this week, UHP troopers pulled over a vehicle on I-70 in Emery County for speeding and reported finding a large amount of drugs.

For the third time this week, UHP troopers pulled over a vehicle on I-70 in Emery County for speeding and reported finding a large amount of drugs. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)


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GREEN RIVER, Emery County — Another day, another big drug bust for Utah Highway Patrol troopers working in Emery County.

About 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, a Dodge van was pulled over on I-70 for going 86 mph in a 60 mph zone. During the stop, a trooper could smell marijuana in the vehicle, according to a police booking affidavit. He also noticed stacked cardboard boxes in the back of the van.

"The boxes were under a mattress and appeared to be at least partially concealed with blankets," the affidavit states. "I conducted a search of the vehicle and located multiple THC cartridges in one of the boxes in back."

Approximately 18,000 THC cartridges and 8,000 pre-rolled joints were found in cartons "weighing well over 100 pounds," the affidavit states. Troopers also reported finding about $8,000 in cash as well as small amounts of cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.

John Tyler Hanna, 26, was arrested for investigation of money laundering, possessing 100 pounds of marijuana or more, drug distribution, two counts of drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wednesday's traffic stop happened in the same area where two other large drug busts took place earlier this week after troopers also pulled over other vehicles for speeding.

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Pat Reavy is a longtime police and courts reporter. He joined the KSL.com team in 2021, after many years of reporting at the Deseret News and KSL NewsRadio before that.

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