Man Arrested for Possession of $35,000 Worth of Marijuana

A Dunnellon man was arrested Wednesday after police discovered a black duffle bag containing nearly 10 pounds of marijuana in his car.

According to a press release by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call about a reckless driver in the 4300 block of East Highway 40. When officers arrived at around 9 p.m., they saw a car cross the center line and hit the curb.

When officers pulled over the car, driven by Justin Valentine, 46, Deputy Gerald Boatwright reported he smelled alcohol on Valentine’s breath. He also noticed the smell of marijuana, according to the incident report.

Valentine agreed to do a field sobriety test, which he failed, leading to his arrest.

During a search of Valentine’s car, officers found a black duffle bag in the trunk containing 18 one-gallon sized freezer bags containing hydroponic marijuana. It is valued between $35,000 and $50,000.

Valentine was booked into the Marion County Jail and is facing one count of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and one count of driving under the influence.