[420 Girl]

ASHLAND, Neb. — A nationally known advocate of marijuana legalization is sitting in the Saunders County Jail on $500,000 bail.

Irvin Dana Beal, 61, an anti-war activist from New York City, was one of three men arrested about 10:35 p.m. Sept. 30 in a drug bust on U.S. Highway 6 in Ashland.

Saunders County Attorney Scott Tingelhoff said an effort to drum up Beal’s bail has begun on the Web. Beal must raise 10 percent — or $50,000 — to be released.

Ashland Police Chief Mark Powell said Beal was arrested after Officer Chris Engel stopped a silver Ford Econoline van whose rear license plate was obstructed. The van had Ohio plates.

Powell said Engel could smell marijuana when the door to the van was opened and saw drugs inside the van.

Seven bales of marijuana weighing 150 pounds were found in duffel bags in the vehicle, along with about $1,000 cash.

Christopher Ryan, 51, of Columbus, Ohio, and James Statzer, 43, of Buchanan, Mich., also were taken into custody.

The men were being held at the Saunders County Law Enforcement and Judicial Center. They are charged with possession with intent to deliver and having no drug tax stamp.

Authorities say the marijuana seizure was the largest in Saunders County history.

Saunders County Court Judge Marvin Miller set bail at $100,000 for Ryan and Statzer.

Powell said U.S. Highway 6 has become a more popular route with drug traffickers as the Nebraska State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies have cracked down on nearby Interstate 80.

“Some are going to try alternate routes,” he said.

A Nov. 10 court date has been set in Saunders County Court for the three men. They remained in custody at the Saunders County Jail.

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