Police in the U.S. state of Michigan found 1.4 tonnes (3,175 pounds) of marijuana in a consignment of tires being ferried in a tractor.
The illicit cargo was discovered on April 20 after an inbound tractor-trailer hauling a shipment of tires was selected for additional screening at the Port of Detroit, according to customs officials.
After a search, officers found multiple packages of marijuana concealed inside the tires among brown packing paper and garbage bags.
The marijuana, cargo, tractor and trailer were seized.
In the US, only 19 out of 50 states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. However, the use and possession of marijuana are still illegal under federal law. As such, one can only be in possession of cannabis within the state it is permitted.
Meanwhile in Kenya, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act criminalises possession and use; trafficking; being found in a room where people use drugs; being the owner of a room where people produce or consume drugs and being found with drug-related paraphernalia.
Across Africa, only South Africa has permitted the recreational use of cannabis, although it has stringent measures around it. For instance, one cannot use cannabis in public.
And while countries such as Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi have permitted the commercial growing and trade of cannabis, recreational use remains prohibited.
