A routine traffic stop by a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Metro D.U.I. Squad led to the discovery of more than a half-ton of marijuana this morning along Interstate 40 in East Memphis.

Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Chris Jones was east bound on Interstate 40 near the Interstate 240 junction when he noticed the vehicle swerve and make improper lane changes.

After stopping the rented utility truck, Sergeant Jones smelled marijuana inside the cab and near the rear of the truck.

Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Bureau Deputy Andrew Gaither and his drug detection dog “Rocky” met Sergeant Jones along the interstate. “Rocky” immediately discovered several bundles of marijuana worth a million dollars hidden under some furniture.

The drugs, which weighed 1,035 pounds, had been carefully wrapped in dryer fabric sheets and heavy black plastic.

Deputies arrested Andres Garcia-Gamboa, 37, of Nashville and a 17 year-old from Oklahoma. The teenager said he had only been in the United States a few months and had been living with friends in several cities.

Garcia-Gamboa was charged with:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture/Deliver/Sell to Wit Marijuana
• No Driver’s License
• Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic

The 17 year-old was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture/Deliver/Sell to Wit Marijuana.

Garcia-Gamboa is being held at the Shelby County Jail. The teenager is at Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court.

Since both admitted to Deputies they were in the country without residency documents, neither was given a bond.

Immigration Customs Enforcement Agents (I.C.E.) have joined Deputies in the investigation.