Little Rock, ARK — Arkansas State Police (ASP) troopers made a significant drug bust on Christmas Eve, seizing more than 200 pounds of marijuana during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Lonoke County.
The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. when state troopers pulled over a vehicle traveling westbound on the highway. Upon further investigation, officers discovered 207 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana, weighing a total of 248 pounds, concealed in six suitcases.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 53-year-old Xiong Ren from Oklahoma, told investigators that he was en route to Wisconsin to celebrate Christmas. Despite his claim of traveling for the holiday, Ren now faces serious charges, including possession with intent to deliver and unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.
Ren is currently being held at the Lonoke County Detention Center as authorities continue their investigation into the case. ASP officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and thorough inspections during routine traffic stops, which led to the large drug seizure.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal drug trafficking across the state.