Hornets’ Harrell faces drug charge after police say he had 3lbs of marijuana in car

Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is facing a felony drug charge after authorities said they found vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana in his car during a traffic stop.

Harrell, 28, was pulled over in Richmond, Kentucky, by a state trooper on 12 May for driving behind a vehicle too closely, the Charlotte Observer reported on Monday, citing court records.

The trooper said he smelled marijuana and, after a search, discovered 3lbs of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags inside a backpack in the backseat. Harrell has been charged with trafficking less than 5lbs of marijuana. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. He is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on 13 July.

Harrell, a former star for the University of Louisville, has played seven seasons in the NBA, including three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and two with the Houston Rockets. He joined the Hornets in February but was due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

It was not immediately clear whether Harrell had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. The Hornets declined comment, according to the Charlotte Observer.