Redding police seize 800 pounds of marijuana and arrest two on I-5

REDDING, California – Redding police arrested two people for firearms violations and trafficking in 800 pounds. of marijuana early Saturday morning, November 9.

According to one press releaseRedding Police Department (RPD) officers conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck towing an enclosed trailer for several vehicle code violations on I-5 near South Bonnyview Drive in Redding.

During the stop, RPD officers noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the trailer.

Upon inspection, the driver opened the trailer to reveal numerous 55-gallon garbage bags filled with processed marijuana.

RPD said as the situation unfolded a female passenger attempted to gain access to the driver’s seat to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended.

Further investigation revealed that the trailer contained approximately 800 pounds of processed marijuana. Additionally, an unregistered loaded 9mm handgun was discovered during a search of the vehicle.

The suspects, Jose Mendoza-Hernandez, 24, of Kern County, and Anabel Bentancourt-Meraz of Corning, face multiple charges, including possession of marijuana for sale, human trafficking and firearms-related offenses.

Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.