THP Makes Interstate Drug Arrest in Madison County

NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper arrested two Jackson, Tenn. men on drug and weapons possession charges following a traffic earlier this week on Interstate-40 in Madison County.

Trooper Dwayne Stanford on Sunday evening arrested the driver of the vehicle, Stormy Hicks and passenger Dvonte Carter, both of Jackson, on two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell; possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hicks was also charged with driving under the influence and the violation of driving in the right lane except to pass.

Trooper Stanford responded to a call of a reckless driver headed west on I-40. A citizen had called in a report of a Ford Explorer near mile marker 107 that had been weaving in and out of traffic while throwing bottles and a bag out of the vehicle. The citizen also informed the dispatcher that he could smell marijuana while driving behind the vehicle. Trooper Stanford located the described vehicle near the 94 mile marker. He observed the vehicle weave within its lane and pulled the vehicle over on the traffic violation. Trooper Stanford called for backup, then made contact with the occupants, who said they were travelling from Atlanta to Jackson.  Trooper Stanford detected an odor of marijuana coming from the driver’s clothing as he spoke to him. Trooper Kenny Gannaway then arrived at the scene to assist with a probable cause search of the vehicle. The troopers found a loaded Ruger 9MM pistol, and approximately one pound each of cocaine and marijuana.

Both Hicks and Carter were booked into the Madison County Jail. Photos can be obtained from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.   

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