28 pounds of marijuana found in Cedar Rapids hotel room

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Denver, Iowa, man was charged with possession after more than 28 pounds of marijuana were found in a Cedar Rapids hotel room earlier this month.

According to the Linn County Attorney's Office, Cedar Rapids police served a search warrant on Dec. 9 for a room at the Country Inn and Suites, 4444 Czech Lane NE. Authorities said 29-year-old Ryan T. Lavin of Denver, Colo., was the occupant of the room.

Police searched the room and found a large suitcase and duffel bag filled with marijuana. Authorities said the marijuana weighed more than 28.6 pounds.

Police said they also found more than $13,000 in Lavin's duffel bag.

Lavin was arrested and has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and an Iowa drug tax stamp violation. Authorities said Lavin previously was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in Linn County in 2012.

According to court records, the Linn County Sheriff's Office stopped Lavin on the C Avenue extension on Echo Hill Road on April 13. Deputies searched Lavin's backpack and found 42.5 grams of marijuana in separate packages, as well as 19 Tizanidine Hydrochloride pills for which he did not have a prescription. He was charged with possession with intent to deliver, an Iowa drug tax stamp violation and unlawful possession of a prescription drug for that incident.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com