ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas State Police (ASP) seized a combined 886 pounds of illegal narcotics and one handgun during six traffic stops on Interstate 40 from April 25 to May 3.
According to ASP, they've confiscated over 4,000 pounds of illegal marijuana this year.
"[Our] team is strongly committed to ensuring the safety and security of the state's highways, and their success in intercepting massive amounts of illegal drugs in less than two weeks is a testament to their dedication," ASP Col. Mike Hagar said. "Efforts like these are crucial in maintaining public safety and preventing destructive illegal activity in our communities."
Five of those traffic stops happened in Lonoke County.
Police said they seized 143 pounds of illegal marijuana on April 25 after stopping a car hauling a tractor-trailing on I-40 eastbound at the 164-mile marker. Four days later, ASP found 120 pounds of unlawful marijuana and a 9mm handgun in a white Lincoln Aviator on I-40 eastbound near the 175-mile marker.
Troopers said 24-year-old Jalen Gillispie of Spencer, Okla., and 21-year-old Daviauna Partee of Tulsa, Okla., were arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center. Gillispie was charged with possession of a controlled substance, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, Partee was charged with possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver.
On April 30, ASP stopped a Kia Sportage on I-40 eastbound near the 170-mile marker in Lonoke and discovered 31 pounds of illegal marijuana. Troopers arrested 53-year-old Carlos Smith of Louisville, Ky., who was booked and charged with possession with purpose to deliver of a controlled substance, unauthorized usage of property and improper lane change.
Arkansas State Police then made a stop on May 2, locating 222 pounds of marijuana in the back of a van on I-40 East near the 178-mile marker. Police said 44-year-old Marlita Williams of Hope Mills, N.C., was transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and careless and prohibited driving.
On May 3, authorities found 300 pounds of illegal marijuana in a Sprinter van at the 171-mile marker of I-40 East in Lonoke County.
Of the six seizures reported by ASP, one happened in Conway County, where authorities discovered 70 pounds of illegal marijuana concealed in trash bags in the trunk of the car.
Troopers made the stop around 7:15 a.m. on May 1 near the 102-mile marker and arrested 71-year-old Mark Williams for possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, and expired tags.