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

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
October 19, 2010
I10B10

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop Results In Drug Arrests And Seizure

At approximately 8:15 a.m., October 11, 2010, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a 2003 Mercedes passenger vehicle for speeding, as it was eastbound on I-44 near the 129 mile marker in Laclede County. After further investigation, the trooper asked the vehicle owner for consent to search his car, which was denied. The Lebanon Police Department was then requested to respond with their canine. The canine gave a positive indication for drugs in the vehicle. During the subsequent search approximately 15 lbs. of packaged marijuana was located within the passenger compartment.

The driver of the vehicle, Ashton L. Jordan, 21, of Peoria, Arizona, was arrested for felony drug trafficking and driving while suspended. The passenger in the vehicle, Casey B. Swier, 25, of Phoenix, Arizona, was also arrested for felony drug trafficking.

Assisting the Patrol in this investigation was the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group (LANEG) and the Lebanon Police Department.

The charges for which Jordan and Swier were arrested are mere accusations and are 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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