50 Pounds of Pot Seized on I-75 in McMinn County

Sunday, February 04, 2007 | 06:00pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn., — A Tennessee State Trooper stopped a vehicle at MM 43 on I-75 for erratic driving Thursday afternoon and uncovered 50 pounds of marijuana.

On Thursday, February 1, the THP Trooper observed a female passenger in a 1996 Chevy Camaro smoking a marijuana cigar. He also observed the vehicle reducing speed and running off the roadway several times. Upon stopping the vehicle, the Trooper smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car and noticed marijuana in the front seat and floor board. The Trooper confronted the male driver about smoking marijuana, which the driver openly admitted.

A subsequent probable cause search led to a mud-covered, black suitcase located in the rear hatchback of the Camaro. Inside the suitcase, the Trooper uncovered 50 pounds of marijuana in compressed blocks and gallon-sized plastic bags with zip top closures.

The driver, 24-year-old Bobby Joe Bailey of Corbin, Kentucky, and the passenger, 24-year-old Stephanie Hubbard of Williamsburg, Kentucky, are charged with possession of marijuana for resale. The 50 pounds of marijuana, the vehicle and $435 in cash were seized in accordance with state law.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department’s general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.

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