Crime & Safety

Police: Pounds of Weed in Traffic Stop

A Cartersville man and teen were arrested on marijuana and other charges as a result of the stop on Sugar Valley Road for malfunctioning tag lights.

A traffic stop due to malfunctioning tag lights and a Cartersville police officer's keen sense of smell last night led to the discovery of about 3.5 pounds of suspected marijuana.

Officials said in a press release an officer about 9:15 stopped the white Pontiac Firebird, driven by Mario Monroe Howard, on Sugar Valley Road near Mayflower Street. Howard, 34, of Cartersville, had a 15-year-old passenger and allegedly was driving with a canceled license. 

“Traffic enforcement is much more than simply stopping someone and writing a citation," Chief Tommy Culpepper said in the release. "Many criminals have been apprehended as a result of a traffic stop. This incident shows what can happen when an officer stops a car for what initially appears to be a minor traffic violation.”

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Officers picked up on a strong odor coming from the car and suspected it was marijuana. In the floorboard near the juvenile passenger, officials say they found a book bag containing five plastic bags of marijuana. 

Police arrested Howard on accusations he violated the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, drove on a canceled license, contributed to the delinquency of a minor and operated a vehicle with no tag lights. 

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The teen also was arrested and charged with a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.

Bartow County-Cartersville Drug Task Force agents impounded the vehicle.


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