February 7, 2024

During three traffic stops on the evening of Monday, February 5, 2023, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers confiscated nearly 340 pounds of illegal, black-market marijuana from Arkansas highways along with other narcotics and a firearm.

“We are obviously pleased when we can prevent hundreds of pounds of dangerous drugs and weapons from entering our communities because even small amounts of illegal drugs have the potential to destroy Arkansas families,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “These seizures are a testament to ASP’s unwavering commitment to keeping Arkansas safe for law-abiding citizens.”

In Central Arkansas, Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 40 East at approximately 4:14 p.m., locating approximately 240 pounds of marijuana. Paul Magda, 70, of New Jersey was taken into custody and booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with the Purpose to Deliver. 

Approximately 30 minutes later, Troopers in Central Arkansas initiated another traffic stop on Highway 165, locating approximately 32 grams of crack cocaine, 2 fentanyl pills, 25 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of marijuana, and a firearm. Gregory Stewart, 56, of England, Arkansas, was taken into custody and booked into the Lonoke County Detention Center on charges of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Purpose to Deliver, and Possession of a Schedule I or II Substance with the Purpose to Deliver.

A few hours later, at around 7:40 p.m., Troopers initiated another traffic stop on Interstate 40 East in East Arkansas near the 189-mile marker. Approximately 100 pounds of marijuana was located inside the vehicle. Lawrence Allende, 51, of California was taken into custody and booked into the Prairie County Detention Center on a felony charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.