For the second time in less than a week, a traffic stop in Lakeville has led to the seizure of a large amount of candy-like edible “gummies” that contain THC, a byproduct of marijuana.

Austin James Hagen, 23, of Lakeville, was caught with thousands of the marijuana gummies — weighing nearly 100 pounds — after a traffic stop Friday, prosecutors say.

Hagen was charged Monday with one count each of possession of a first-degree controlled substance with intent to sell and second-degree possession of a controlled substance.

Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom said gummies and other marijuana edibles are a “great concern,” especially because they are manufactured with varying levels of THC. Kids could also be fooled, he added.

“When products are shaped like candy, there is not only a greater concern of possible overdose, there is also the concern that children will accidentally ingest them,” Backstrom said in a statement.

The criminal complaint against Hagen alleges that a Lakeville police officer stopped him Jan. 31 for a motor vehicle equipment violation and smelled marijuana. In the vehicle was a duffel bag with and eight plastic storage bins of gummies weighing more than 99 pounds.

On Friday, Brian David Hiltner, 28, of Eagan, was charged with drug crimes after Lakeville police pulled him over Jan. 31 near a home they were prepared to search with a warrant and found 14 gallon-sized plastic bags containing 50 pounds of marijuana gummies.

During a search of the residence, officers found 183 bags, each containing about one pound of marijuana. Officers also found more edible gummies containing THC and containers of what officers believed to be THC concentrate in wax form, the complaint said.

Hagen made his first court appearance on the charges Monday, and posted $20,000 bond. His next court appearance is set for March 15 in Hastings. Other than a speeding ticket in 2014, Hagen does not have a criminal record in Minnesota, court records show. Related Articles Oakdale man sentenced to 30 years for death of West St. Paul father shot as 2-year-old son slept beside him

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READ THE HAGEN COMPLAINT