51 Lbs. Pot Bust on I-40 Near Cookeville

NASHVILLE, Tenn., — A Tennessee State Trooper making a traffic stop ends up seizing 51 lbs. of marijuana.

On January 17 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Trooper Chris Adams observed a silver 1999 AUDI following another vehicle too closely on I-40 in Putnam County.  Trooper Adams initiated a stop of the vehicle and when asked, the driver indicated he did not have a driver license.  After obtaining the driver’s name and date of birth, a statewide check revealed the suspect did have a valid Tennessee Driver License, but was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in Putnam County.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered two black garbage bags in the trunk containing 17 compressed bricks of marijuana, each weighing approximately three pounds.

Twenty-four-year-old Grayland A. Darty of Algood, Tennessee, is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver marijuana, violation of following too closely and failure to exhibit a driver license.

The 1999 AUDI is registered to another individual from Jefferson City, Tennessee, who Mr. Darty described as a friend.  The car has been seized by THP in accordance with state law.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public.  The department’s general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses.  The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.