State troopers were baffled when another man from Quebec pulled over to talk to the speeder, leading to the drug bust

A man from Quebec has been sentenced to a year in a New York jail after being caught trying to move 180 pounds (about 80 kg) of weed across the border.

On July 9, troopers pulled over 20-year-old Manuel Torres, from St. Hyacinthe, Que., for speeding on the Northway, reports The Post-Star of Glens Falls.

They were immediately suspicious when 25-year-old Antoine Benoit, another man from St. Hyacinthe, pulled over behind police and approached Torres to say he would be in New York city within 45 minutes.

When troopers asked Benoit who he was, The Post-Star reports he claimed he didn’t know Torres, but also couldn’t explain why he stopped to speak with Torres.

“Your story doesn’t make much sense,” said Trooper Brian Russell, according to court records seen by The Post-Star.

After the suspects failed to provide logical answers to the officer’s questions, police searched the vans to find 180 pounds of cannabis and $3,400 cash. They arrested Torres and Benoit.

While searching Torres’ van, officers also found rental agreements for both of the suspect’ s vehicles.

The court records show Benoit was acting as “security,” while Torres said he didn’t know what was in the bags, telling police, “I don’t know. I’m just driving them. I’m told where to go and I drive to that address.”

It was later revealed the men illegally crossed the border and were dropping the marijuana off in Boston.

Both suspects were charged with felony counts of first-degree criminal possession of marijuana and fourth-degree conspiracy, but initially pleaded not guilty and were sent to Warren County Jail.

There’s no word on Benoit’s status, but Torres pleaded guilty Friday to felony criminal possession of marijuana in Queensbury.

He agreed to a plea deal that could have him serve eight months instead of a year if he behaves well behind bars.

The arrests were part of an investigation into a larger operation to move pot from Canada to larger U.S. cities on the east coast.

• Email: bhristova@postmedia.com | Twitter: bobbyhristova

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