Notice to Media

Highway Police Officers Seize Drugs Near Hope Weigh Station

LITTLE ROCK (10-20) – The Arkansas Highway Police uncovered a large shipment of drugs during a recent traffic stop on Interstate 30, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers. Officers discovered 25 pounds of marijuana in an eastbound truck near the Hope weigh station early Monday, October 16.

Officers from the AHP became suspicious as the driver was being ticketed and called for the AHP canine unit. The dog alerted his handler to the possibility of drugs near the driver’s side door of the truck. Further inspection led officers to nine individually wrapped packages of marijuana.

So far this year, AHP officers have seized almost three tons of marijuana. “Our officers are very skilled in vehicle inspections and commercial vehicle regulations,” Flowers noted.

The driver of the truck was taken into custody at the scene. Charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver was Timothy A. Sims, 38, of Kings Mountain, Kentucky and a passenger, Johnny R. Alsip, 35 of Corbin, Kentucky. Sims also was charged for failure to stop and for an hours-of-service violation. The truck’s final destination is not known, but it was believed to have originated in Phoenix, Arizona. The two suspects are being held in the Hempstead County Jail.

“The officer grew suspicious while talking to Mr. Sims,” Highway Police Chief Ron Burks said. “It’s obvious that his training is paying off,” Burks added.

####

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: