$48M Worth of Drugs Seized During I-78 Traffic Stop, NJ Troopers Say

• NJ State Police made a $48 million drug bust on I-78 in Warren County
• Troopers allegedly discovered thousands of pounds of marijuana and THC products in a tractor-trailer
• Two men from Texas were arrested and face multiple drug charges

Massive Drug Seizure on I-78

State troopers in the Garden State say they seized over $48 million worth of illegal drugs during a traffic stop last week.

The scene unfolded along Interstate 78 in Greenwich Township, Warren County, last Wednesday, September 10th.

According to the New Jersey State Police, their Mobile Safe Freight Unit conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a tractor-trailer on the eastbound side of the highway at milepost 6.5.

• READ MORE: Youngest Suspect in Mt. Laurel, NJ, Car Break-in Just 11 Years Old, Police Say

Drugs Allegedly Found During Inspection

While conducting the inspection, authorities say the odor of marijuana was present along with indicators of trafficking activity.

A subsequent search of the trailer led to the seizure of the following, per police:

• Approximately 7,645 pounds of hydroponic marijuana
• 44,456 THC vape cartridges
• 9,572 packages of THC gummies
• 59 liters of cannabis resin
• 83 THC-infused cigarette packages

Charges Filed

The truck's driver, 45-year-old Vethanayagam Venches, along with 48-year-old Mohamed Nawshad, both of Irving, TX, were arrested.

They are both facing possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and conspiracy charges, and are being held in the Warren County Correctional Center.

• READ MORE: Bridgeton, NJ, Man Dies While Hunting Bears in Maine

The case is being prosecuted by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.