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

Troop D Service Center - 4282 South Grand Avenue - Carthage MO 64836


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext. 2229
DS2009-20
July 13, 2009

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop In Jasper County Results In Marijuana Seizure


On July 10, 2009, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver of an eastbound pickup on Interstate 44 in Jasper County. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of one person in Jasper County as well as the arrest of another person in Springfield, Illinois.

At approximately 7:55 a.m., the driver of a 2000 Dodge pickup bearing Texas registration was stopped near the 23-mile marker in Jasper County for traveling in excess of the speed limit. Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop prompted the trooper to ask for permission to search the vehicle, which was granted. The search revealed approximately 300 pounds of marijuana concealed within three large, manufactured spools of coaxial cable, which were in the bed of the pickup.

With the assistance of a patrolman from the Carthage Police Department as a translator, it was determined the intended destination for the marijuana was Springfield, Illinois. A controlled delivery of the marijuana was made on July 11, 2009, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield, Illinois, Police Department. The delivery resulted in the arrest of a second person.

The driver of the Dodge pickup, Domingo A. Palacios, 47, Houston, Texas, and the second individual were taking into custody by federal authorities pending the filing of formal charges.

The charge for which Domingo A. Palacios 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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