Morgan City police seize more than a pound of marijuana

A traffic stop for improper lane usage led to the arrest of a Third Street man, who is accused of having more than a pound of marijuana in the presence of a gun, Morgan City police said.

--Kenneth Benjamin Kiff, 56, Third Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. Friday on charges of possession intent to distribute marijuana, possession of clonazepam, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane usage.

Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division observed a vehicle on U.S. 90 crossing the fog line.

A stop was initiated, Kiff was identified as the operator of the vehicle. According to reports, Kiff was found to be in possession of a large amount of suspected marijuana. The amount located was consistent with illicit sales. A firearm was also located in the vehicle, the Police Department said.

Reports indicate that Kiff admitted to having more marijuana at his residence and granted consent to retrieve it. Investigators located additional marijuana that was packaged in increments consistent with illicit sales, along with digital scales, an additional firearm, and suspected clonazepam, which is a Schedule IV drug, police said.

Clonazepam is a prescription anticonvulsant used to treat panic attacks.

Kiff admitted that he did not have a prescription for the drug, police said.

Kiff was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was booked and incarcerated.