Pine Bluff, Arkansas – A routine highway safety inspection turned into a major drug bust when officers with the Arkansas Highway Police (AHP) Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) seized a massive shipment of illegal marijuana during a commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 40 in Crawford County.
According to officials, the seizure took place on Saturday, October 11, when AHP officers stopped a commercial motor vehicle for a safety inspection. During the routine check, officers discovered six pallets of illegal marijuana hidden inside a load of pool tables. The shipment weighed approximately 3,000 pounds and carried an estimated street value of over $3.5 million.
“This seizure underscores the commitment and vigilance of AHP officers to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of our roadways,” said AHP Chief Jeff Holmes.
Driver Arrested and Facing Felony Charges
The driver of the truck, identified as Steve Williams, 43, was believed to be traveling from California to Florida. Officers arrested Williams at the scene and charged him with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and simultaneous possession of a firearm. He is currently being held at the Crawford County Detention Center pending further investigation.
In addition to the marijuana, officers also found a firearm in the vehicle, leading to additional charges against the driver.
AHP’s Ongoing Effort to Keep Highways Safe
The seizure is part of AHP’s broader mission to protect Arkansas communities from drug trafficking operations that use interstate routes as transport corridors. Chief Holmes emphasized that 2025 has already been a significant year for law enforcement efforts on the state’s highways.
“AHP remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the citizens of Arkansas by continuously removing dangerous criminals from our Highways,” Holmes said. “This seizure highlights the importance of law enforcement’s continuous efforts to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking operations.”
According to ARDOT, AHP officers have seized more than 23,000 pounds of illegal drugs on Arkansas highways so far in 2025.
Officials say this latest bust not only removes millions of dollars’ worth of illegal drugs from circulation but also serves as a reminder of the vigilance and coordination required to keep Arkansas roads—and its communities—safe.
