ASP I-40 Busts Include One for Marijuana, Another for Cocaine

These two I-40 drug trafficking stories begin with one last week on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, when Arkansas State Police (ASP) made a significant drug seizure following a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40. At approximately 4:40 p.m., Troopers pulled over a rented black 2023 Chevrolet Malibu traveling eastbound at the 104-mile marker in Conway County for a traffic violation.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, Troopers discovered multiple large trash bags in the trunk containing vacuum-sealed bundles of high-grade marijuana. The total weight of the seized narcotics was 105 pounds.

The driver, identified as David Willis, 44, of Lower Lake, California, was arrested at the scene. He was transported to the Conway County Detention Center and charged with felony Possession with Intent to Deliver, as well as felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

According to Willis, he was en route from California to Knoxville, Tennessee. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Seizure #2

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Arkansas State Police (ASP) made a significant narcotics seizure during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 East in Crittenden County. The stop occurred around 6 p.m. near the 271-mile marker.

Troopers searched a 2024 Honda HRV and discovered seven-kilo bundles of cocaine concealed in the spare tire compartment of the vehicle’s trunk. The driver, identified as Angel Lazala Soto, 59, of New York, was taken into custody at the scene.

Lazala Soto was transported to the Crittenden County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of felony Trafficking of a Controlled Substance. According to investigators, Lazala Soto indicated he was en route from Austin, Texas, to New York at the time of the arrest.

The Arkansas State Police continue to investigate this case as part of their ongoing efforts to combat the trafficking of illegal substances throughout the state.

Keep up the great work Troopers.

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