Police: Men had 20 pounds of pot

Two Northern California men accused of driving through Newport Beach with 20 pounds of marijuana are due in court Friday on felony drug charges.

A Newport Beach police officer stopped a black Ford Explorer near Westcliff and Dover drives for a minor vehicle code violation.

The officer smelled marijuana emanating from the SUV, then noticed a cardboard box inside, police Sgt. Steve Burdette said.

A search turned up 38 large zip-close bags of marijuana, 20.7 pounds in all from Humboldt County, police said. Because of the quality of the marijuana, police said it was likely headed for dispensaries in Orange County.

Police arrested Michael John Meinhardt, 52, of Bridgeville, and David Robert Fontaine, 48, of Hydesville, on suspicion of felony possession of marijuana.

Their arraignment is scheduled for Friday. The men are being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

—Joseph Serna