BISMARCK — A Moorhead man driving a car rented in the state of Washington was arrested Tuesday, Nov. 12, when police say they found hashish wax and more than 15 pounds of marijuana that was packaged and ready for sale in the vehicle.

A Burleigh County deputy sheriff stopped Bradley Neilan, 29, on Interstate 94 between Sterling and Driscoll for speeding and a signal violation, according to an affidavit. The deputy searched the vehicle when he noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the car.

Neilan told police that suitcases in his trunk were empty and he planned to use them to take his belongings back to Washington, the affidavit states. The search revealed 15 grams of hashish wax and 15 ½ pounds of marijuana, which police say had labeling consistent with that used in marijuana dispensaries. Police also say they found two loaded handguns, four amphetamine capsules and $592 in cash.

The use of a rental car, Neilan’s travel route from the West Coast to the Midwest, the presence of weapons and the amount of marijuana in his possession are indicative of drug trafficking and sales, the affidavit alleges.

Neilan made his initial appearance Wednesday in South Central District Court. He is charged with three counts of drug possession, two of which are felonies.

listen live watch live

No attorney is listed for him in court documents. Judge Pamela Nesvig set his bail at $5,000 cash. He is being held at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center.