NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dale H. Moreland
(573) 840-9500
062729
June 27, 2008

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On Interstate 55 Results In Drug Arrest




On June 26, 2008, at approximately 1:14 p.m. a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a 1998 Freightliner traveling north on Interstate 55 in New Madrid County for an equipment violation.
Marcos A. Tijerina, 28, of McAllen, Texas, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, permission to search was requested and granted. During the search 1538 pounds of marijuana was located in the middle of a trailer load of produce. Marcos A. Tijerina was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and trafficking in drugs first degree. He was taken to the New Madrid County Jail.
The charges for which Marco A. Tijerina was arrested are mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.



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