Marijuana package pickup at Cedar Rapids post office lands two in jail

Two people were arrested after police say they picked up a package containing more than a pound of marijuana at a Cedar Rapids post office.

Cassaundra J. Merta, 21, of Cedar Rapids, and Malcolm D. Backstrom, 21, address unavailable, were arrested Thursday morning after the pickup was made at the post office at 1930 Wiley Blvd. SW, according to court documents. Police said they were caught during a narcotics investigation.

According to a criminal complaint, Merta picked up the package and got into a vehicle driven by Backstrom. They tried to elude officers, but were captured a short time later. Police said they tried to get rid of the marijuana in a corn field.

Merta and Backstrom have been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, interference with official acts and a drug tax stamp violation. Backstrom also was cited for careless driving and driving with a suspended license, police said.

Merta and Backstrom were transported to the Linn County Jail. They were no longer in custody Friday afternoon.