Deputies Find 7-1/2 Pounds Of Marijuana

Deputies say they recovered 7 ½ pounds of marijuana from the trunk of a car during a traffic stop Thursday night.

An improper tag light prompted Deputy Michael Valenti to pull over a white Mitsubishi near the Comfort Inn on Cortez Boulevard, just east of the U.S. 19 intersection. As Valenti asked the driver for identification, the deputy said he smelled marijuana, so Valenti asked the driver and his two passengers to step out of the car.

A search of the vehicle's trunk turned up a black duffel bag, which was holding three large plastic bags of marijuana, according to an affidavit. The marijuana was later weighed at 7 ½ pounds.

Charged with possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia is Rohan Hynes, 31, of 11307 Megargel Court, Brooksville.