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

Troop D Service Center - 5182 South Grand Avenue - Carthage MO 64836


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext. 4560
DS2015-1
January 13, 2015

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop In Jasper County Results In Seizure Of Marijuana And Heroin

On January 12, 2015, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver of a Volvo station wagon on Interstate 44 east of Joplin, Missouri, in Jasper County, for a traffic violation. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of marijuana, heroin, and the arrest of one person.

At approximately 1:05 p.m., the driver of a 1999 Volvo V70 station wagon, bearing California registration was stopped on Interstate 44 near the 17-mile marker for exceeding the speed limit. Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop and observations by the trooper, including the odor of marijuana coming from the driver, led to a search of the vehicle. Located in the rear of the vehicle, concealed among personal items, troopers discovered several bundles of marijuana totaling 15 pounds. Also located within the vehicle was a small amount of heroin.

The driver of the vehicle, Andrew M. Burt, 28, Los Angeles, California, was arrested for two charges of possession of a controlled substance. Burt was transported to the Jasper County Jail, in Carthage, Missouri.

The charges for which Andrew M. Burt was 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 it is to determine guilt or innocence.

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