Two Peoria, Illinois, men were arrested Sunday afternoon in southern Dallas County, where they were allegedly found to be transporting more than two pounds of cannabis and related items.

Reginald D. Russell, 34, of 3401 W. Oakcrest Dr., Peoria, Illinois, was charged with possession with intent to deliver, failure to affix drug tax stamp, keeping a vehicle for controlled substance violation and a number of traffic violations.

Michael A. Gills, 52, of 2032 1/2 W. Hudson St., Peoria, Illinois, was charged with possession with intent to deliver, failure to affix drug tax stamp, keeping a vehicle for controlled substance violation and a number of traffic violations.

The incident began about 2:15 p.m. when an Iowa State Patrol Trooper clocked a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox traveling at 91 mph near the 118 mile marker of eastbound U.S. Interstate 80. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and found Russell was operating the vehicle and Gills was the passenger.

According to court records, the trooper’s suspicions were raised while he spoke with the Illinoisans and “observed a white container” in a paper bag and a “red ‘THC’ indicator on the container.” The trooper also observed “a bottle of berry-flavored liquid that contained ‘THC.'”

A search of the vehicle allegedly disclosed “two duffel bags in the rear trunk area,” according to court records. In one bag were “two clear, heat-sealed, one-gallon bags, containing a dried, green, leafy substance,” each sealed bag weighing about two pounds.

In addition, “a clear mason jar was located in a side pocket, containing a dried, green, leafy substance,” weighing about 14.5 grams, plus “one gram of ‘SHATTER,’ two vape pens (500 mg each), two grams of ‘wax’ and two to three ounces of THC-infused bottles (300 mg each).” Edibles were also found, according to court records.

Russell allegedly told the trooper “he bought all of it in Colorado” and “was going to use some and sell some to friends,” according to court records. Gills allegedly told the trooper “he knew about the marijuana and the edibles in the vehicle.”

Russell is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 12 in Dallas County District Court.

Gills is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 12 in Dallas County District Court.

*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.