Marijuana Seized During Traffic Stop in Murrieta

A Hemet man was arrested in Murrieta after more than a half-pound of marijuana was allegedly found inside his car.

Juan Jose Valencia Romero, 24, was stopped on California Oaks Road at about 9:31 p.m. Tuesday because his front car windows were tinted, according to Murrieta police Sgt. Jay Froboese.

A records check revealed Romero was allegedly driving on a suspended driver's license, Froboese said.

"Officers asked Romero to exit the vehicle and asked if he had anything illegal in the vehicle. He stated, 'Ya actually, I have some marijuana. It’s a very large amount,'" Froboese said.

A search of the car revealed a large, black Coleman bag on the floor behind the front passenger seat, Froboese said, which allegedly contained 238.3 grams "or a little over 1/2 a pound" of marijuana.

Romero allegedly told officers he had a medical marijuana card and used about 2 grams of it a day for an existing knee injury, the sergeant said.

"After doing some quick math, officers determined 238 grams of marijuana was probably a little more than an individual would need for personal 'medical' use for a knee injury," Froboese said.

Officers also allegedly observed text messages and photographs on Romero's phone stating that he has been spending all his money on his “grow," Froboese said.

"When asked about the grow, Romero confirmed he and a friend have a grow, but he would not share any information regarding the location," Froboese said.

Romero was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs for sales and was booked at Southwest Detention Center. He was released Wednesday in lieu $25,000 bail, sheriff's jail records indicated, and was due in court Aug. 9.

Police confiscated the marijuana for evidence, Froboese said.