News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Martin K. Elmore
(417) 469-3121, ext. 225
G-11081
November 10, 2008

EMPHASIS: Shannon County Traffic Stop Results In Drug Arrests

On October 29, 2008, at approximately 12:40 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 1989 Ford van on Missouri Highway 19, within the city of Eminence, Missouri. While issuing a warning to the driver the trooper became suspicious and asked for consent to search the vehicle, which the driver granted. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of individually packaged marijuana-laced “rice crispy treats”, a large quantity of marijuana-laced chocolate candy cups, several margarine tubs containing liquid infused with marijuana, several jars of liquid containing psilocybin mushrooms, and a small quantity of opium.
A passenger in the vehicle, Joseph Wayne Bay, 23, of Desoto, Missouri, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (marijuana); possession of a controlled substance (mushrooms); possession of a controlled substance (opium); distribution of a controlled substance (marijuana); and possession of misdemeanor drug paraphernalia. Bay was incarcerated in the Shannon County Jail on $30,000 bond.
The charges for which Bay 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 is to determine guilt or innocence.

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