Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A Rhode Island man has been charged following a traffic stop in Mecklenburg County.

According to a press release from Virginia State Police (VSP) on April 13, a Virginia State Police trooper was on routine patrol on I-85 when he observed a Chevrolet Silverado driving in a reckless manner in the southbound lanes.

“The trooper activated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren and initiated a traffic stop and pickup pulled over onto the shoulder near the 6 mile marker. During the course of the traffic stop, the trooper recovered approximately 85 lbs. (or approximately 35,590 grams) of packaged marijuana concealed inside the pickup,” the release noted.

Joseph F. Cruz, 40, of Pawtucket, RI, was charged with one felony count of transporting five or more pounds of marijuana.

He is being held on bond at the Meherrin River Regional Jail.