A Missoula, Mont. man was arrested Friday afternoon during an Oregon State Police traffic stop on Highway 97 north of La Pine when a trooper found more than 6 pounds of marijuana inside the man's car.

On Friday, Jan. 24, at about 5 p.m., an Oregon State Police trooper stopped a 1999 Toyota Camry with Montana license plates for a lane change traffic violation northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 158.

As the trooper approached the car, he saw the driver and the car's only occupant, Ali Reza Tabibnejad, 32, of Missoula, wearing a black beanie hat displaying the word "weed."

Investigation during the traffic stop led the trooper to find and seize more than 6 pounds of marijuana hidden in the vehicle. The estimated value of the seized marijuana is $15,000.

Tabibnejad was arrested and placed in the Deschutes County Jail for unlawful possession and delivery of a controlled substance. The investigation is ongoing.

-- Anna Marum