CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) says that they have arrested a 36-year old man after they discovered almost 30 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his vehicle during a traffic stop.
Court papers say Michael Ligurotis, of Illinois, made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on May 19th to face felony charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana.
According to Wyoming statutes, Ligurotis, if convicted on both charges, could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 20k.
Officials with the WHP say that one of their troopers pulled Ligurotis over near mile mark 362 on Interstate 80 during the evening of May 17th, 2020 for a speed violation.
An affidavit filed in the case says that a K9 unit was deployed to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle. It alleges that a positive indication to the presence of a controlled substance was made at that time.
The trooper reports that a probable search of the vehicle revealed a large contractor bag in the trunk, which contained several packages of suspected marijuana.
“Packages were such, based on my extensive history and relevant training in regards to trafficking of controlled substances indicated this was not for personal use, but was packaged for delivery,” the Trooper went on to say.
Authorties say that Ligurotis was taken into custody without any incident.
According to law enforcement, all suspected marijuana was weighed in packaging with an approximate weight of 26.75 pounds.
All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.
