News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext.2229 or (417) 626-1870
DS2009-7
February 28, 2009

EMPHASIS: Marijuana Seizure At Newton County Weigh Station


On February 27, 2009, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol commercial vehicle officer stopped the driver of an eastbound 2002 Freightliner tractor-trailer unit, bearing California registration, for a routine inspection at the weigh station on Interstate 44 in Newton County. During conversation with the driver, the commercial vehicle officer became suspicious of criminal activity and requested a trooper respond to the weigh station. Consent to search the tractor and trailer was obtained from the driver and located in the trailer were several large bundles of marijuana totaling approximately 1,800 pounds.

The driver, Miguel A. Govea, 31, Los Angeles, California, was arrested for first degree drug trafficking and transported to the Newton County Jail, Neosho, Missouri.

The charge for which Miguel A. Govea was arrested is mere accusation and 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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