Eight Pounds of Marijuana Seized During Route 1 Traffic Stop

Middletown - A traffic stop on Route 1 late Tuesday night resulted in troopers seizing eight pounds of marijuana.

The stop occurred at 11:56 p.m. on May 27 when troopers stopped a Chevrolet Malibu that was speeding on southbound Route 1 in the area of Pole Bridge Road. The driver, Steven Verley, 24, of Millsboro (photo attached, blue hooded sweatshirt), had a suspended driver's license. His passenger, Dontel Brown, 26, of Seaford (photo attached, black t-shirt), provided a fictitious name. The troopers also noticed a strong odor of marijuana and air fresheners coming from the vehicle.

The troopers asked both occupants to exit the vehicle. When Brown stepped out, troopers observed a small amount of marijuana fall from his shirt onto the ground.

Both defendants were detained and a search of the vehicle was performed. A small bag of marijuana was found in the center console. In the trunk, troopers discovered eight bags containing a combined weight of 8.2 pounds of marijuana. Troopers also seized $1,622 cash from the defendants.

Both defendants were transported to Troop 9 and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and conspiracy second degree. Additionally, Brown was charged with criminal impersonation and Verley was charged with driving while suspended and speeding. Verley was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $16,000 cash, $5,000 secured bail. Brown was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $10,000 cash, $1,500 secured bail.