Illegal Cannabis Seizure: Over 200lbs Confiscated in I-40 Traffic Stops, $10,000 Seized

The Arkansas State Police’s Interstate Criminal Patrol made significant arrests in separate traffic stops on Interstate 40, apprehending two women for trafficking illegal narcotics.

First Traffic Stop: May 7

On Tuesday, May 7, ASP stopped a white Chrysler Pacifica near the 99-mile marker in Pope County for a routine traffic violation. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of five trash bags containing 120 individually wrapped bundles of illegal marijuana, each weighing approximately one pound. Additionally, troopers found $9,350 in cash inside the vehicle.

Arrest of Kristi Dortch

Kristi Dortch, a 50-year-old resident of Eureka Springs, California, was taken into custody and transported to the Pope County Detention Center. Dortch faces felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with multiple traffic violations. During questioning, Dortch revealed she was traveling from Eureka Springs, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Second Traffic Stop: May 13

Less than a week later, on Monday, May 13, ASP conducted another traffic stop on I-40, this time for a rented black Chevrolet Malibu at the 172-mile mark in Lonoke County. Upon searching the vehicle, troopers discovered 115 pounds of illegal marijuana in the trunk, alongside $1,005 in cash.

Arrest of Shayla Cooper

Shayla Cooper, a 41-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, was arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center. She faces felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cooper disclosed to investigators that she was traveling from Oklahoma City to Atlanta, Georgia.

These arrests underscore the Arkansas State Police’s commitment to intercepting illegal drug trafficking on interstate highways, aiming to curb the flow of narcotics through the state.