Tennessee Highway Patrol Seizes 2.5 Pounds of Meth During Traffic Stop

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) made a traffic stop that lead to the detection of a methamphetamine drug seizure Wednesday. Interdiction Plus Trooper George Stephens was patrolling Interstate-24 west bound in Marion County when he observed a driver of a 2002 BMW 325-I with illegal window tint, following too closely to traffic, and not wearing a seatbelt.

Trooper Stephens interviewed the male driver and male passenger and was alerted to possible indicators suggesting criminal activity.  The Trooper inquired if there were any weapons or any illegal items that were in the vehicle.  The driver gave permission for the Trooper to search the inside of the vehicle.  Trooper Rich Thomas arrived on the scene and aided in the search of the vehicle.  Upon examining the vehicle, additional signs led troopers to discover 2.5 pounds of Meth/Ice. The drugs were concealed in the dashboard of the vehicle on the driver side underneath the steering column.

The driver and passenger were taken into custody and booked into the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.  Both suspects invoked their right to council and refused to answer additional questions.  The trooper report states the driver was traveling from Miami, FL to Louisville, KY.  The driver is of Cuban decent and is 31 years old.  The passenger is also of Cuban decent and is 50 years old.  Names of the suspects are being withheld due to an ongoing investigation.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.  Follow THP on Facebook and Twitter.

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