News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant D.S. Bracker
(417)895-6767 ext.253
D2008-39
September 2, 2008

EMPHASIS: Significant Drug Seizure, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop D



On Sunday, August 31, 2008, an eastbound 1995 Chevrolet-3500 pickup was stopped by commercial motor vehicle officers for a compliance check on Interstate 44 at Missouri Highway 125, in Greene County. Due to suspicious circumstances discovered during the compliance check, the commercial vehicle officers requested for a trooper to respond to the scene. Consent to search was requested and granted. During the consent search the trooper’s canine gave a positive indication on the large cable spool in the bed of the truck, which upon examination revealed approximately 462 pounds of marijuana.
The driver, Trinidad V. Vasquez, of Columbus, Ohio, was arrested for trafficking in drugs-first degree, transported to the Greene County Jail, and released to authorities.
The charge for which the above person is accused is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of this charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.