Arkansas State Police says the agency seized more than $3 million, 15,000 pounds of marijuana in 2024
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with Arkansas State Police said the agency saw a significant increase of illegal drug seizures during traffic stops in 2024 compared to the previous year.
ASP officials said they seized $3.3 million in 2024, which more than doubled compared to the $1.4 million seized in 2023. State troopers said illegal marijuana seizures increased by almost 50% with more than 15,000 pounds seized in 2024.
Methamphetamine seizures increased from 56 pounds in 2023 to 509 pounds in 2024, the agency said. State troopers said the number of weapons confiscated in 2024 was up one from 2023.
Arkansas State Police seizes ecstasy, mushrooms, promethazine & illegal marijuana after 130 mph police chase in Little Rock
Special agents said the ASP's Interstate Criminal Patrol, which specializes in drug interdiction, played a part in the increase of illegal drug seizures.
'The dedication of the ASP's ICP exemplifies a commitment to bolstering public safety and battling the influx of illegal drugs being trafficked throughout the state,' ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar said. 'We are delivering a powerful and unmistakable warning to anyone transporting illicit narcotics along our interstates and highways – We will catch you, and you will face the consequences.'
Cocaine and fentanyl seizures saw a decrease from 2023 to 2024, ASP officials said.
Arkansas State Police seizes more than a ton of illegal marijuana on Interstate 40 in Crawford County
State troopers said other illegal drugs seized in 2024 included Psilocybin mushrooms, Promethazine, illegal prescription pills, THC wax and vapes. Twenty vehicles were also seized.
ASP K9 team deployments found illegal marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, other illegal narcotics and $1.2 million in cash in 2024.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Memphis man wanted in AR robberies killed during high-speed chase with troopers
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis man wanted in connection with convenience store robberies in Arkansas was killed Wednesday during a high-speed chase with Arkansas troopers in Van Buren County. According to Arkansas State Police, Joey Vincent Simmons II, 23, was the subject of a BOLO for his involvement in the armed robberies in Conway and Damascus. Troopers said they located Simmons' vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 65 south of Bee Branch. Copper thieves knock radio station off the air: MPD They said the pursuit began with Simmons driving at speeds of more than 100 mph, passing motorists, and heading into oncoming traffic. ASP said Simmons fired a gun from inside his vehicle toward a trooper before he lost control of his vehicle, veered into a wooded area, and was ejected. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene. Woman stabs man with hot sauce bottle, police say Arkansas State Police said no troopers were injured during the pursuit, and no law enforcement officers fired a weapon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Deadly crash leaves Garland County deputy hospitalized
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A deadly crash Sunday left a Garland County Sheriff's Office deputy hospitalized and another man dead. Conditions were foggy before sunrise around 4:40 a.m. According to an Arkansas State Police crash report, 22-year-old Lane Murphy of Plumerville was heading north when he crossed the center line and struck 22-year-old Deputy Gavan Mason's patrol vehicle. Garland County deputy injured in fatal Sunday morning crash Mason's vehicle overturned after a collision, but Murphy went off the road and died at the scene. GCSO Public Information Officer Captain Joel Ware said Mason was rushed to CHI St. Vincent Hospital with internal injuries and a broken arm, which required surgery. 'Those affected by it, our hearts go out to him,' Ware said. 'For the damage to be as severe as it was pretty scary. Very fortunate that Deputy Mason is still here with us.' It is estimated that it will take 12 weeks before Deputy Mason can return to work. He was already on track to be moved out of the patrol car and into an investigator position. GCSO Chief Deputy Steven Elrod said Mason has that 'X factor.' 'He is a team player. He has great camaraderie. He is versatile in so many different areas. Wherever you need him, he's able to respond,' Elrod stated. Arkansas State Police trooper injured in Easter Sunday crash in Garland County Although Mason can't respond right now, the community and coworkers have to help the 22-year-old deputy with his medical and financial needs. Elrod said in the last year, the new stretch of Highway 5 where the crash happened has had 17 accidents. Garland County is collecting data to ask the Arkansas Department of Transportation what can be done to make the area safer. 'Deputy Mason certainly wasn't the first person to be injured out in that stretch. We want him to be the last if we can,' Elrod said. Arkansas Capitol police officer injured in hit-and-run crash Those willing to assist with Deputy Mason's recovery can make donations to any First Security Bank in his name. There are also methods to do so online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
ASP: Human remains found in western Arkansas, suspect arrested
MOUNT IDA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — One person was arrested on Saturday after human remains were found near the suspect's property in western Arkansas, according to Arkansas State Police. Montgomery County Sheriff Neal Thomas said in a news release that his office received a report on June 7 about a missing person. Thomas said an investigation later revealed the possibility of foul play. ASP said MCSO requested assistance from the department's Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Once special agents arrived in Mount Ida, they found evidence of foul play. ASP identified a suspect and took them into custody. Arkansas inmate on death row for killing father, prison guard dies in prison The suspect, who was not identified in the release, was charged with second-degree battery, kidnapping and tampering with physical evidence after remains were found near the suspect's property. ASP said additional charges are pending in the case. The department is also asking for the public`s help in locating a black 2011 GMC Terrain with Arkansas plate AEV 26R. Anyone with information about the vehicle's location should call Arkansas State Police Troop K at 501-767-8550. ASP said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
