MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop E Headquarters - 4947 Highway 67 North - Poplar Bluff, MO 63901


News Release

For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 3532
06271228
June 27, 2012

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On Interstate 55 Results In Drug Arrest


On June 26, 2012, at approximately 3:40 p.m., a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a 1999 Dodge truck for a traffic violation.

The driver was identified as Jose S. Herrera, 35, of Houston, Texas. The passenger was identified as Carlos J. Reyes-Benitez, 35. During the course of the traffic stop, several indicators of criminal activity were observed causing the trooper to become suspicious. Consent to search the vehicle was requested and granted. Patrol K-9 Argo was used to perform an exterior sniff of the vehicle. K-9 Argo alerted on the right side of the vehicle near a tool box in the bed of the truck. A closer examination of the toolbox revealed a hinged, false compartment which contained 10 bundles of processed marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was 50 pounds. Herrera and Reyes-Benitez were arrested for felony drug trafficking.

The charge for which Herrera and Reyes-Benitez were arrested is mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented to before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.