From staff reports
State police say two California men are facing charges after about 5 pounds of marijuana and other drug-related items were found in their vehicle during a traffic stop Tuesday on Interstate 80 in Clintonville.
Butler state police said the driver, Kristian Palafox, 27, and passenger Matthew Zerafa, 30, both of Riverside, California, had conspired to transport the marijuana from California to New York for distribution.
Palafox and Zerafa have been charged with felony counts of engaging in criminal conspiracy and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana, as well as two misdemeanor counts of use/possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a small amount of marijuana for personal use.
They were arraigned Tuesday before district judge Patrick Lowrey. They were unable to post bail and are being held in the Venango County jail.
Their preliminary hearings are scheduled Sept. 18 in Central Court.
