An off-duty deputy with the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested Tuesday night after State Police located approximately eighteen pounds of marijuana in the vehicle he was driving.

Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop D stopped a privately owned 2004 Toyota Tundra for traffic violations on Interstate Highway 10 Eastbound in Sulphur.  After speaking to the driver, 28-year-old Derek Nothnagel of Lake Charles, Troopers asked for permission to search the vehicle.  Nothnagel refused to grant permission.

Authorities say a K-9 officer was brought to the scene and indicated the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle.  A search of the truck uncovered approximately eighteen pounds of marijuana in a duffle bag.

Nothnagel was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, use and sale of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, following too close and expired inspection decal.  He was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.  Bond was set at $27,300.

A passenger in the vehicle, 24-year-old Taylor Nothnagel of Lake Charles, was questioned and released.  The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.