Notice to Media

Cache of Marijuana Confiscated Near Lonoke

February 18, 1997 -- Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the State Highway and Transportation Department confiscated approximately 400 pounds of marijuana and a substantial amount of U.S. currency from a vehicle on Interstate 40 near Lonoke during an evening traffic stop Monday, February 17, 1997.

The driver of the 1971 Dodge motor home, Robert J. Arnett, Jr., 26 of Chula Vista, California, was arrested at the scene. He was transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center.

The motor home was traveling east on Interstate 40 when erratic driving was detected by the officers. After receiving conflicting information from the driver and passengers, officers obtained a written consent to search the vehicle.

Highway Police Sergeant Bob Scott 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 throughout the interior of the motor home.

After further investigation, four other occupants of the vehicle: Benito Gastelum, 24, Magana Doarte, 30, and Christina Eaton, 22, all of Chula Vista, California, were also arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center in Lonoke. Mitzi Gastelum, 23, a Mexican citizen, is being held for the U.S. Border Patrol for possible deportation. Two small children, who were also occupants of the vehicle, were released into the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

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