WHP seizes 123 pounds of marijuana Thursday, April 12

The Wyoming Highway Patrol seized about 123 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $305,000 following a traffic stop on Thursday, April 12 on US 220 near Casper.

Troopers arrested driver Thong Xiong, 29, and his passenger, Choua Khang, 30, both of Wisconsin, after finding the marijuana following a traffic stop at 8:24 a.m. on Thursday, April 12.

Troopers stopped their Chevy Silverado after observing it traveling 71 mph in a posted 65 mph zone.

After being stopped, Xiong told troopers that he was traveling from Grenada, California to Sioux Falls, South Dakota before heading home to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. When troopers questioned Khang about their travel plans, she gave a conflicting story. Their Silverado was registered in California.

Troopers also saw several boxes and a washing machine in the vehicle following the stop. After questioning both, Xiong admitted to having the drugs in the vehicle and consented to having the vehicle searched.

Troopers then deployed WHP canine around the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs.

After searching the vehicle, troopers found about 111 individual vacuum-sealed packages containing a green leafy substance, which troopers determined was marijuana. Troopers found the packages in a large box, a modified washing machine and a purse.

Troopers contacted the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), which provided assistance.

Thong and Khang were taken to the Natrona County Detention Center.