Orlando, FL — Two California men were taken into custody in Orange County, Florida, after state troopers discovered more than 46 pounds of marijuana inside their SUV during a Monday afternoon traffic stop, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Traffic Violation Leads Troopers to Suspicious SUV
The incident began around Monday afternoon when troopers spotted an SUV making an improper left turn at the busy intersection of Conroy Road and Vineland Road. Investigators said the vehicle cut across several lanes, disrupting the flow of traffic and prompting officers to initiate a stop.
When troopers approached the vehicle, the driver — identified as 40-year-old Shuoliang Zhen — claimed he had no identification on him and said the SUV was a rental. Troopers noted that Zhen appeared visibly nervous, shaking and stumbling over his words.
The front passenger, later identified as 35-year-old Yi Wen Chen, kept his eyes fixed forward and appeared to be intentionally avoiding eye contact with law enforcement, according to the arrest affidavit.
K-9 Alert Leads to Major Marijuana Discovery
With both occupants displaying unusual behavior, troopers deployed a K-9 unit to conduct a sniff around the SUV. The dog alerted officers, triggering a lawful search of the vehicle.
Inside the SUV, troopers located three large boxes, each one packed with multiple vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. Each individual bag weighed approximately one pound, bringing the total seizure to 46 pounds, investigators said.
Photos taken as part of the investigation showed tightly packed bundles — the kind commonly associated with interstate drug trafficking operations.
Both Men Arrested on Trafficking Charges
Following the discovery, troopers placed both men under arrest, according to the reports.
Shuoliang Zhen, the driver, now faces felony charges of cannabis possession and trafficking. According to jail records, he is being held on a $30,500 bond.
His passenger, Yi Wen Chen, faces identical charges and was also booked into the Orange County jail.
Authorities have not yet released additional information about the pair’s connection to California, where they are from, or their intended destination in Florida. Troopers also did not disclose whether the men provided any explanation about the large quantity of marijuana found in the SUV.
Investigation Ongoing as Troopers Examine Possible Interstate Links
The Florida Highway Patrol is expected to continue its investigation, including determining whether the drugs were part of a larger trafficking operation moving cannabis across state lines.
While Florida has legalized medical marijuana under strict regulation, the transportation of large amounts of unlicensed cannabis remains a serious felony.
The intersection where the stop occurred is a high-traffic corridor near major shopping and tourist areas in Orlando, where troopers routinely conduct traffic enforcement because of frequent congestion and erratic driving behaviors.
FHP has not released details about whether federal agencies such as the DEA will become involved, but multi-pound seizures often prompt further review by narcotics task forces.
Community Reaction and Highway Patrol Efforts
Residents in the area have expressed growing concerns about drug trafficking routes entering Orlando through major highways. FHP has emphasized that routine traffic stops remain one of the most effective tools in intercepting illegal drugs.
As the case moves forward, both Zhen and Chen are expected to appear in court on their trafficking charges. No further details regarding potential additional charges or court dates have been released.
Large drug seizures like this often raise questions about interstate trafficking and local safety. Do you think Florida needs tougher enforcement or different strategies to stop drug transport? Drop your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters.
