MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402
News Release
For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
July 12, 2010
I07D10
EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On Interstate 44 Results In Drug Seizure
At approximately 8 a.m., July 1, 2010, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a 2005, Ford F-150 pickup, near the 187-mile marker of Interstate 44, for a traffic violation. After further investigation, the trooper asked and received consent from the driver to search his vehicle. The subsequent search revealed approximately 500 lbs. of marijuana concealed in the vehicle.
The driver, Jorge Gonzalezmadrid, 34, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested for first degree drug trafficking. After being taken into custody, the suspect was released to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA continued the investigation and will seek federal drug charges against Gonzalezmadrid.
In addition to the DEA, the Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted in this investigation by the Rolla Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the South Central Drug Task Force.
The charge for which Gonzalezmadrid 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 is to determine guilt or innocence.
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