Two traffic stops result in 198-pound marijuana seizure in Pope County

POPE COUNTY, Ark. – Two October traffic stops due to taillight problems resulted in nearly 200 pounds of marijuana seized in Pope County.

The first stop took place on Oct. 11 and the second on Oct. 16 when sheriff’s office deputies recovered trash bags full of marijuana from two vehicles.

Pope County Sheriff’s Office officials said the Oct. 11 stop occurred after a patrol deputy spotted a car on Interstate 40 with broken taillights. The deputy tried to pull the car over, but it began to flee, investigators said, reaching speeds of 130 mph.

The spokesperson said the deputy ended the pursuit after a tire on his patrol vehicle was damaged by debris on the road. A second deputy, however, spotted the car in a Casey’s gas station shortly afterward and took the driver into custody.

Officials said deputies searched the car and found 87 pounds of marijuana in trash bags and $7,700 in cash.

The department did not give the driver’s name in its release.

Officials said the second stop occurred after a deputy spotted a truck towing a car with a defective taillight. The deputy stopped the truck and noted the smell of marijuana coming from the car.

The deputy saw two large trash bags in the car’s window. Further investigation revealed the bags held 111 pounds of marijuana.

The department release did not indicate if an arrest occurred due to the second stop.

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