ASP traffic stop nets 800 plus pounds of illegal marijuana

At 8:19 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper made a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 near the 173-mile marker in Lonoke County. The Trooper detected the strong smell of marijuana, searched the vehicle, and discovered six suitcases filled with a total of 869 pounds of illegal, high-grade cannabis.
The estimated street value of the illegal, black-market marijuana is $3.6 million.

The driver of the vehicle, Rene Rodriuez, 33, of Brazil reported that he was driving from California to Miami, Florida. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center and charged with drug trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia and other charges.
Additional charges may result from an investigation being conducted by ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID).