Enforcement

Arkansas Highway Police Officers Uncover Cache of Marijuana

February 11, 1997 -- Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the State Highway and Transportation Department confiscated approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana from a vehicle on Highway 67 near Hope during a traffic stop Thursday, February 6, 1997.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, James E. Hopper, 56 of Viola, Arkansas, was arrested at the scene. He was transported to the Hempstead County Detention Center.

The truck was traveling on Highway 67 when a possible weight violation was detected by the officers. As the vehicle was being inspected, AHP officers questioned Hopper and discovered several inconsistencies in his statements.

Highway Police Officer 1st Class Daniel Morales and the Department’s drug detection canine were contacted to inspect the vehicle. The marijuana, which was in individually wrapped packages, was detected by the dog near the front of the trailer. Two handguns, a .25 caliber and a 9 mm, were also confiscated.

After further investigation, two additional individuals, Clint Davis, 31, of McAllen, Texas, and Guadalupe Trevino, 47, of Mission, Texas, were also arrested and taken to the Union County Detention Center in El Dorado.

All are charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and Hopper with Possession of a Firearm.

For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com