ASP INTERCEPTS NEARLY 60 POUNDS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA IN BACK-TO-BACK I-40 STOPS

September 24, 2026

LONDON, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers seized approximately 59 pounds of illegal marijuana, 200 grams of THC vape products and $4,510 in cash during two traffic stops Wednesday, Sept. 23, on eastbound Interstate 40 in Pope County.

The stops, which occurred less than two hours apart, resulted in the arrests of three people.

Around 2:15 p.m., Troopers stopped a Nissan Rogue traveling eastbound on I-40 near mile marker 72 for traffic violations.

A search of the vehicle revealed suitcases containing 30 individually packaged bundles of illegal marijuana with a combined weight of approximately 30 pounds. The driver, Darnell Keith Russell Reed, 39, of Waynesboro, Va., was arrested along with passenger, Ashley Renee Carter, 36, also of Waynesboro. Troopers also seized $4,510 in cash from Carter. Reed and Carter were transported to the Pope County Detention Center. Both are being held on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver. Reed was also found to be driving on a suspended license.

Around 4:15 p.m., Troopers stopped a Ford Bronco Sport traveling eastbound on I-40 near mile marker 77 for a traffic violation.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 29 vacuum-sealed packages of illegal marijuana, weighing about 29 pounds, and 100 THC vape cartridges.

The driver, Jermaine Bowers, 35, was arrested and transported to the Pope County Detention Center, where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver.

The investigation is ongoing. No additional information is being released at this time.