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137 Pounds of Marijuana Found in Lake Charles, Louisiana Traffic Stop

Published January 28, 2022

Lake Charles, LA – According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, on January 26, 2022, detectives with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) stopped a car traveling westbound on I-10 near mile marker 38 in Lake Charles for a traffic violation.

When detectives spoke with the driver, Michael J. Hutchison, 59, of California, they smelled raw marijuana coming from inside the car. During a subsequent probable cause search of the car, detectives discovered 12 trash bags containing 137 pounds of high-grade marijuana, with an estimated street value of $500,000. Inside the car, detectives discovered $295,227 and 49 money orders totaling $32,800.

Hutchison was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with possession of CDS Schedule I with intent to distribute; and money laundering. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $340,000.

The Combined Anti-Drug Task Force is a collaborative effort comprised of law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies aimed at reducing illegal substance trafficking in Calcasieu Parish.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.