Traffic Stop Leads to $500K Worth of Cannabis and Mushroom Chocolates Seized by Sheriff's Deputy

By: Buz Deliere | February 8, 2023

Local law enforcement is conducting an active investigation into a suspect on drug-related charges following a routine traffic stop along I70.

On Tuesday morning, a Dickinson County Sheriff's Deputy pulled over a 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup on Interstate 70 for an alleged traffic infraction. Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan reported that the stop occurred shortly after 10 am.

After initiating contact, authorities identified the driver as Darren James Denter, 49 of Old Monroe, Missouri. during the stop, law enforcement noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle.

After searching the vehicle authorities discovered an extraordinary amount of marijuana contraband worth over half a million dollars. Officers found 182 pounds of cannabis, 49 pounds THC wax, 1000 Psilocybin Mushroom candy bars, 11 lbs mushrooms plus 550 pre-rolled joints & 128 pre-packaged four-gram containers of marijuana all ready for sale.

Authorities in Dickinson County arrested Denter on drug-related charges, including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of hallucinogenic drugs and paraphernalia.