FRANKFORT, KY– On Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 18:00 hours, Officers from the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement East Branch, intercepted a 97 Freightliner Tractor-Trailer on US 23 near the Pike County / Letcher County line.  The vehicle was in route to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from McAllen, Texas. A KSP canine unit alerted to the possible presence of drugs and a subsequent search led to the discovery of  (159) packages of suspected Marijuana.  The suspect packages were found in the box trailer with a total approximate weight of 1,400 pounds. 

The estimated value of the Marijuana is $2.1 Million dollars.  Four male subjects were arrested and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana-Over 5 lbs., and were lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.  

“I compliment the diligence, dedication and investigative ability of the officers involved in this drug seizure and the arrest of four suspects” stated KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller.  “The cooperation demonstrated by the various agencies involved in this investigation was key to its successful outcome and they are all to be commended for their efforts.”

This particular seizure is the result of an ongoing investigation involving the Kentucky State Police, DEA - London Resident Office, Appalachia HIDTA, Virginia State Police and the Virginia Southwest Drug Task Force and further charges are expected.

This is the third large seizure of illegal drugs by Kentucky State Police in the past 7 months.  Over 800 pounds of Cocaine was seized in Henry County in May, and over 1,400 pounds of Marijuana was seized in Woodford County in August. 

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