California Man Sentenced to Probation After Trafficking 360 Pounds of Cannabis in Oklahoma
A 56-year-old man from Stockton, California, has been sentenced to seven years of probation following his arrest for trafficking 360.8 pounds of marijuana in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The sentence was part of a plea agreement approved by Payne County Associate District Judge Michael Kulling on July 2.
Xin Sun, who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking through an interpreter, was ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation, complete any recommended treatment, undergo random drug tests, maintain full-time employment, perform 100 hours of community service, and pay various assessments, including a $2,000 fine.
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust
Sun’s arrest followed a traffic stop on Highway 51 by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Ryan Long, a nationally certified drug recognition expert. The stop occurred at 12:05 PM on August 7, 2022, when Sun, driving a U-Haul truck, was pulled over for exceeding the speed limit in rural Stillwater.
According to the trooper’s affidavit, the strong odor of marijuana was evident as Trooper Long approached the rear cargo area of the truck. When asked about the contents of the truck, Sun initially claimed it contained furniture. However, upon opening the cargo area, the trooper immediately smelled marijuana and observed numerous large brown moving boxes.
Trooper Long opened one of the boxes and found several individually packaged vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing a green leafy substance with the odor of marijuana. Using a translator app, Trooper Long advised Sun of his Miranda rights, which Sun confirmed he understood.
Details of the Operation
During questioning, Sun admitted he was being paid to transport the marijuana from Stillwater to Oklahoma City, though he claimed not to know the specific address. He stated that his boss was supposed to provide the address upon arrival in Oklahoma City. Sun was unable to provide the name of his boss or the location of his workplace.
Sun was arrested at 12:30 PM and taken to the Payne County Jail. The 14 boxes of marijuana, weighing approximately 360.8 pounds and containing 295 individual bundles, were transported to a secure storage facility at the OHP Training Center in Oklahoma City. This amount was nearly 15 times the 25-pound threshold required for a marijuana trafficking charge.
Legal Proceedings and Sentence
Sun was released on $100,000 bail five days after his arrest. The plea agreement included several conditions designed to monitor and rehabilitate Sun. In addition to the probation terms, Sun must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete any necessary treatment. He is also required to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 fine.
The significant amount of marijuana trafficked highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating large-scale drug operations. This case underscores the importance of vigilant traffic enforcement and the role of trained officers in identifying and intercepting illegal drug shipments.
Xin Sun’s sentence reflects a balance between punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts. By imposing probation and mandatory substance abuse treatment, the court aims to address the underlying issues contributing to Sun’s involvement in drug trafficking. As the legal system continues to tackle the complexities of marijuana trafficking, cases like this serve as a reminder of the extensive efforts required to curb illegal drug activities and protect public safety.
