ROSWELL, N.M. — A California pilot forced to land a small plane in New Mexico because of mechanical problems has been arrested after authorities found nearly 118 pounds of marijuana.
Roswell police say 37-year-old Michael Armando Teixeira, of Gilroy, is being held at the Chaves County Detention Center on suspicion of distribution of controlled substances.
Other marijuana crimes making headlines
Mama bear defense: Madonna stands by son Rocco Ritchie after reported London marijuana arrest
Not socks: Ohio troopers find marijuana, drugs wrapped as Christmas gifts
Weed news and interviews: Get podcasts of The Cannabist Show.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
Watch The Cannabist Show.
Peruse our Cannabist-themed merchandise (T’s, hats, hoodies) at Cannabist Shop.
It was unclear Tuesday if he has a lawyer yet.
Teixeira landed at the Roswell International Air Center last Friday night.
Federal Aviation Administration officials at the airport discovered the plane didn’t have a flight plan on file.
Police got a search warrant after marijuana odor was detected. That led to the discovery of 117.9 pounds of high-grade marijuana packaged in several large bags inside the plane.
Police say Teixeira isn’t the registered owner of the aircraft.
