News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Kent Casey
417-359-1500 ext. 2229
DS021908-1
February 19, 2008

EMPHASIS: Marijuana Seizure In Jasper County



On February 15, 2008, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a tractor-trailer unit on Interstate 44 in Jasper County for following another commercial motor vehicle too closely. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,100 pounds of marijuana. At approximately 3 p.m., an eastbound truck tractor towing a refrigerated box type trailer was stopped near the 27-mile marker in Jasper County for following too closely. Due to inconsistencies found during inspection of the paperwork of the vehicle and the load and nervousness of the driver the trooper asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. A K-9 from the Joplin Police Department was requested to assist in the search. The K-9 alerted on the trailer. A physical search of the load revealed approximately 1,100 pounds of marijuana concealed within the load of cabbage.
The driver, Michael V. Garcia, 25, of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested for first-degree drug trafficking and transported to the Jasper County Jail.
The charge for which Michael V. Garcia was arrested is mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.

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