Cedar Rapids K9 unit nabs $500,000 worth of pot

A Cedar Rapids police K9 unit named Marco recovered 500 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $500,000 in a one incident this week, authorities said.

Marco and his handler Officer Al Fear were on a routine business check when the canine indicated the present of illegal drugs on a garage.

During the execution of a search warrant, Marco and officers found more than 500 pounds of marijuana that has a street value of more than $500,000.

Marco has been with Cedar Rapids police for almost three years.

The recovery of this quantity of marijuana and the estimated street value is a great example of the invaluable service the K9 unit provides to the citizens of Cedar Rapids, police said in a released statement.

Police have not released the date and address in this particular case because it is part of an ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made, police said.

Police said in the statement that federal court decisions have been established that allows K9 units to be in public areas where illegal narcotics can be used or transported as part of a random business check