Notice to Media

Routine Inspection of Truck Uncovers 220 Pounds of Marijuana

LITTLE ROCK (8-16) – Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department last week uncovered another large shipment of illegal drugs near West Memphis, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

On Thursday morning, August 10, at approximately 6:15 a.m., a tractor-trailer rig was stopped at the Lehi Weigh Station on Interstate 40 near West Memphis. During a routine safety inspection of the truck, a Highway Police officer discovered three large duffel bags that contained 220 pounds of marijuana. The duffel bags were found inside the sleeper compartment of the truck. The truck was believed to be traveling from California to Virgina and was transporting various items of clothing.

The driver was identified as Alonso A. Paez, age 29, of Corona, California. Two passengers in the truck were also arrested. Jesus B. Romero, age 35, of Montclair, California and Miguel M. Parra, age 33, of Corona, California were taken into custody with Paez and booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center. The trio was charged with Possession of a Control Substance With Intent To Deliver.

“Not only are our officers highly skilled in vehicle inspections and commercial vehicle regulations, they are trained to look for signs of criminal behavior,” Flowers noted.

“So far this year, 3,720 pounds of marijuana and 55 pounds of cocaine have been discovered at the Lehi station. Our officers continue to produce results in their drug detection efforts,” AHP Chief Ron Burks added.

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