Brazilian police Saturday arrested a retired army colonel after discovering 351 kilograms (770 pounds) of marijuana in his van, Brazilian television reported.

The 56-year-old was driving with his wife when police intercepted the couple at Xerem in Rio state and discovered the stash hidden under the van floor alongside a firearm, television quoted federal police as saying.

The unnamed officer, who faces up to 15 years in jail if found guilty of drug trafficking, had displayed his old uniform in the vehicle in an apparent attempt to ward off unwanted police attention, broadcaster Globo reported.