10 Pounds of Marijuana Found During I-70 Assist; ISP Arrest Highlights Weed Still Illegal in Indiana

Staff report

PUTNAMVILLE, Ind. — December 29, 2025

A routine traffic assist on Interstate 70 in Clay County that led to the seizure of nearly 10 pounds of marijuana and felony dealing charges is the latest reminder that marijuana reclassified as schedule 3 remains illegal in Indiana — even as federal officials seemingly move toward easing restrictions nationwide.

Indiana State Police said a trooper stopped to help a motorist with a disabled 2017 Kenworth around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, near the 28-mile marker on westbound I-70. Police identified the driver as Anthony R. Brown, 42, of Indianapolis. ISP said the trooper detected “indicators of criminal activity,” removed Brown from the vehicle after he refused to exit, and searched the truck. Troopers reported finding nearly 10 pounds of marijuana and packaging materials.

Brown was booked into the Clay County Jail on preliminary charges of possession of marijuana with a prior conviction, resisting law enforcement, and dealing marijuana — all Level 6 felonies, ISP said.

Under Indiana law, marijuana possession and dealing remain criminal offenses. Indiana’s possession statute makes marijuana possession a misdemeanor in many cases, with enhancements that can elevate charges based on factors such as prior convictions and amount. Justia Law Indiana also has a separate statute for “dealing in marijuana,” which can be charged when a person is alleged to possess marijuana with intent to deliver, along with other statutory conditions.

The Clay County arrest comes amid renewed national debate after President Donald Trump signed a Dec. 18 executive order directing the U.S. attorney general to expedite a process that could move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. Rescheduling would not legalize recreational marijuana nationwide, but it could recognize accepted medical use and make research easier, among other changes.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has publicly pushed back on rescheduling. In a joint statement with attorneys general from several other states, Rokita argued marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug and said expanded use raises concerns including harms to youth and increased impaired driving.

Brown is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The case remains with local prosecutors and the criminal court process.

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