“We know this is saving lives,” NSP discovers 50 million in drugs on a semi-trailer during traffic stop

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Governor Jim Pillen praised the Nebraska State Patrol on Monday for their work during two traffic stops over the last ten days.

During one stop, State troopers uncovered 27 pallets containing various controlled substances that all together weighed close to 20,000 pounds.

NSP estimates that the total value of those drugs is over $50 million.

“We’ve made great progress, but it’s incredibly important that we get this stuff off the streets. We need to protect our kids. We need to protect our families,” said Pillen.

Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Col. Byran Waugh said the confiscated materials are the largest amount seen in NSP history.

“We know this is saving lives,” said Waugh, going on to explain how the drug bust unfolded.

“On September 4th, one of our troopers made a traffic stop on a semi on I-80 near Kozad. During the traffic stop, the trooper performed a  motor vehicle inspection and detected an odor of marijuana,” said Waugh.

After additional troopers responded and the vehicle was inspected, the controlled substances were found.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers praised NSP’s vigilance and training.

“But ultimately, it’s a reflection of the amazing men and women and the talent and the work that the State Patrol puts in every single day,” said Hilgers.

Waugh added that it’s also thanks to collaboration with other state and federal agencies that help them stay ahead of bad actors.

“We have to really leverage intelligence information across state lines,” he said.

As for the products found, whether it could have been sold legitimately elsewhere, Waugh had this to say.

“We’re going to lean heavily on guidance from our local county attorneys as well as our attorney general’s office on how those types of cases will be enforced and how our troopers will interact in the event that they’re presented with a medicinal marijuana card or letter or whatever that might look like.”

Former Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly said, “I think it’s a reminder to all of us this drug trade is international, it’s national, it’s ongoing, it doesn’t slow up and the tactics change all the time.”

This drug bust is one of two wins from NSP traffic stops in the last 10 days.

“The second case stems from a traffic stop on September the 9th,” said Waugh.

This happened after the State Patrol received a tip that a semi might be hauling stolen goods.

NSP found the trailer parker near Gothenburg transporting alleged stolen professional speaker equipment valued at $250,000.

Officials say the other half of the semi-trailer had items intended for a Walmart distribution facility in Florida.

“With the driver, the trooper discovered that the commercial delivery documents were fictitious,” said Waugh.

That driver has since been arrested as the investigation continues.

As for the semi carrying the drugs, investigators are still looking into where they came from.