Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Charges After Alleged Concealment

JONESBORO, Ark. — A woman stopped by police during a traffic incident is facing multiple charges after allegedly attempting to destroy evidence and concealing drugs, according to court documents filed in Craighead County.

Mika R. Gilliam is charged with possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, excluding methamphetamine or cocaine, in an amount less than 2 grams, and tampering with physical evidence. Both charges are classified as Class D felonies, according to first appearance documents.

The incident unfolded on Oct. 10, 2026, when Jonesboro Police Officer Martin initiated a traffic stop on Phillip Drive due to a gray SUV’s broken taillight emitting white light. According to a probable cause affidavit, the vehicle slowly came to a halt in the parking lot of Candlewood Suites.

Officer Martin reported observing Gilliam, seated in the front passenger seat, acting nervously and shifting in her seat while breathing heavily. The officer removed the vehicle’s occupants and conducted an exterior vehicle search using his K-9 partner, Tiger. The dog alerted to the vehicle, but police stated that a search of both the vehicle and its occupants yielded no illegal items.

As the traffic stop concluded, Officer Martin received information suggesting Gilliam may have hidden contraband in a body cavity, the affidavit indicated; however, the affidavit did not specify the source of this information. After being read her Miranda rights, Gilliam reportedly agreed to speak with officers and denied having contraband on her person. She admitted to possessing a Xanax tablet earlier but claimed to have swallowed it as the officer initiated the traffic stop to prevent its discovery, according to the affidavit.

Gilliam was taken into custody for alleged evidence tampering and transported to the Craighead County Detention Center. During a search at the jail, staff reportedly discovered a bag containing approximately 34 hydrocodone tablets concealed in her vagina, court records state.

On Oct. 12, Circuit Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause to charge Gilliam and ordered her detention on a bond set at $10,000 cash or surety. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the Craighead County Courthouse.

All individuals facing charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.