More than 220 pounds of marijuana seized in Florida, man faces federal charges

A man accused of possessing more than 220 pounds of marijuana in Florida is now facing a federal drug charge.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that James Craig, 46, of Mokena, Illinois, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

The charge stems from allegations that Craig was found with more than 100 kilograms, or about 220 pounds, of marijuana in Florida, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida.

Craig has already made his first appearance in federal court in Pensacola, where he was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary Bolitho. His case is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 8 before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, Craig could face anywhere from five to 40 years in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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Federal officials did not provide additional details about where the marijuana was seized or the circumstances that led to Craig's arrest.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at targeting drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal groups and violent crime.