(Photo courtesy of the Arkansas State Police)
In November, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) made significant drug and firearm seizures during routine traffic stops, totaling over 680 pounds of illegal narcotics and 13 firearms.
The largest seizure occurred on Wednesday, November 20, in Crittenden County. At approximately 11:30 a.m., troopers stopped a Dodge Ram pickup on eastbound I-40. A subsequent search revealed 211 pounds of illegal marijuana, wrapped in bundles, hidden in the vehicle’s floorboard and bed. Two handguns were also discovered.
The driver, 30-year-old Michael Penilton of Lamar, Mississippi, was arrested and charged with felony Possession with Intent to Deliver and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms. He was booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Earlier in the month, on November 18 at around 6:15 p.m., ASP troopers stopped a Ford Fusion on I-40 eastbound. During the search, they seized 93 pounds of marijuana, 10 pounds of THC wax, 1,000 vape cartridges, more than $21,000 in cash, and a Glock handgun.
The driver, 24-year-old Graham Toth of Los Angeles, was arrested and taken to the Pope County Detention Center. Toth faces charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms. Toth reportedly told investigators he was traveling from Los Angeles to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In total, the Arkansas State Police have seized more than 470 pounds of marijuana in November alone, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the state.
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