LONDON, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers intercepted nearly 60 pounds of illegal marijuana, along with THC vape products and cash, during two traffic stops on Interstate 40 in Pope County on Wednesday, September 23.
The first incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. near mile marker 72. Troopers stopped a Nissan Rogue traveling eastbound for traffic violations, according to a statement from ASP. A search of the vehicle uncovered 30 individually packaged bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 30 pounds. Authorities also seized $4,510 in cash.
Two individuals from Waynesboro, Virginia, were arrested in connection with the discovery. The driver, Darnell Keith Russell Reed, 39, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver, and driving on a suspended license. The passenger, Ashley Renee Carter, 36, faces similar charges of drug paraphernalia possession and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. Both were transported to the Pope County Detention Center.
Less than two hours later, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Troopers conducted another traffic stop near mile marker 77. This time, a Ford Bronco Sport was pulled over for a traffic violation. A search of the vehicle revealed 29 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana weighing about 29 pounds, along with 100 THC vape cartridges.
The driver, Jermaine Bowers, 35, was taken into custody and booked at the Pope County Detention Center. Bowers was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver.
The total contraband seized in the two stops included approximately 59 pounds of marijuana, 200 grams of THC vape products, and $4,510 in cash.
Authorities confirm that the investigation remains ongoing, with no additional information available at this time.