Notice to Media

Highway Police Officers Find Large Shipment of Marijuana and Cocaine

LITTLE ROCK (4-6) – Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department have uncovered a large shipment of cocaine and marijuana, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

On Tuesday morning, April 4, a Highway Police unit stopped a 1993 Peterbilt truck for inspection near the intersection of Highways 42 and Highway 149 in Crittenden County. The driver, Gregory A. Gumbs, age 41, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, initially claimed he was carrying no cargo, but when the semi trailer was opened, furniture boxes were discovered inside.

During a search of the trailer, Highway Police officers discovered approximately 600 pounds of marijuana. In addition, approximately 4.4 pounds of cocaine were also found, along with a 9mm pistol and $1,987 in cash. Gumbs was booked into the Crittenden County jail for illegal possession of a controlled substance and also simultaneous illegal possession of controlled substances and a firearm. He is being held under a $1 million bond. It is believed that Gumbs was traveling from the Houston, Texas area.

This is the second load of illegal drugs that have been discovered along Arkansas’ highways in the last two months. In early March officers uncovered a shipment of 250 pounds of marijuana on Interstate 30. “This arrest comes on the heels of another large seizure last month. The Highway Police continue to produce results in their drug detection efforts," Flowers said.

"Aside from being highly proficient in vehicle inspections and commercial vehicle regulations, our officers are trained to look for signs of other criminal behavior," AHP Chief Ron Burks said.

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