Two California men were arrested in Lewis County Jan. 24 after a Washington State Patrol trooper allegedly discovered a dozen bags full of suspected marijuana following a traffic stop.
On Monday, the men were charged in Lewis County Superior Court.
Ming Xian Lei, 60, and Weiliang Liu, 54, both face one count of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
The charging information further states that the defendants “acted as a principal and/or as an accomplice of another person in the commission of the crime.”
During Monday’s preliminary hearings, Judge Paul Strophy granted Lei’s conditional release from custody based on his lack of criminal history.
As part of the conditions, Lei cannot travel outside of California except for future court dates in Lewis County.
While arguing for his release, defense attorney Rachael Tiller noted that Lei’s spouse and child were present in the courtroom.
Strophy later released Liu, this time by issuing a $10,000 unsecured bond, meaning Liu does not have to pay unless he violates the conditions, which include the same travel restriction.
According to court documents, Liu appears to have convictions in California for driving under the influence and accessory to cultivate marijuana plants.
Both men spoke with the help of Cantonese interpreter Doreen Wai during their hearings.
The affidavit of probable cause filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office states the men were initially pulled over by a state trooper who had measured their Toyota Sienna minivan traveling 75 mph in a 60-mph zone.
As he approached, the trooper reportedly “noticed a strong odor of fresh marijuana coming from the vehicle,” according to the affidavit.
The passenger, later identified as Lei, allegedly “indicated that the smell was coming from his cigarette,” the affidavit states.
After running Liu's license and registration, the trooper reportedly observed what appeared to be pieces of luggage covered by blankets in the rear part of the vehicle.
The trooper ordered Liu from the vehicle to determine if he was impaired, and concluded he was not.
At some point, the men, who said they did not speak English, called someone to help translate.
Lei then allegedly told the trooper that “the marijuana in the back of the vehicle was being ‘disposed’ of,” according to the affidavit.
Lei reportedly exited the minivan and opened a door. The trooper allegedly observed what appeared to be “three 50-gallon bags stuffed full of marijuana.”
The men were unable to provide documentation for the marijuana, so the trooper arrested them.
Upon execution of the search warrant, law enforcement located 12 “large garbage bags” filled with suspected marijuana inside the vehicle.
“Each of the 50-gallon garbage bags contained a label with a number on it that appeared to correlate with the approximate weight of each bag,” the affidavit states.
“If the labels were accurate, it would be approximately 246 pounds.”
Both men are scheduled to appear for arraignments on Feb. 5. They are prohibited from contacting each other while the case is pending.
