Pope County, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) confiscated approximately 60 pounds of marijuana and arrested three individuals during two traffic stops on Interstate 40. The arrests occurred within two hours of each other on Wednesday afternoon.
According to an ASP report, the first stop took place at around 2:15 p.m. near mile marker 72. Troopers pulled over an eastbound Nissan Rogue for traffic violations. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered suitcases containing 30 bundles of marijuana, collectively weighing about 30 pounds.
The driver, 39-year-old Darnell Keith Russell Reed, and his passenger, 36-year-old Ashley Renee Carter, both from Waynesboro, Virginia, were taken into custody. They face charges including possession of a controlled substance with the purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities said Reed was also driving with a suspended license. Both suspects were booked into the Pope County Detention Center.
The second stop occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. near mile marker 77, where troopers pulled over an eastbound Ford Bronco for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 29 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing just under 29 pounds, as well as 100 THC vape cartridges.
The driver, identified as 35-year-old Jermaine Bowers, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with the purpose to deliver. He was taken to the Pope County Detention Center.
The Arkansas State Police stated that investigations into both cases remain active.