A routine late-night traffic stop in LaGrange turned into a major bust when officers say they pulled more than 45 pounds of marijuana and three firearms out of a local man's car and home.
LaGrange police arrested 42-year-old John Poythress IV after a Feb. 25 stop that investigators say revealed roughly 30 pounds of marijuana and a handgun in his vehicle. A follow-up search at his residence added about 15 more pounds of marijuana and two additional firearms to the tally. Poythress is charged with trafficking marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and is being held in the Troup County jail, according to WTVM.
Traffic Stop Leads to Home Search
The LaGrange Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and K-9 officers conducted the stop at about 10 p.m. as Poythress drove into the city, WTVM reported. Inside the vehicle, investigators say they found about 30 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana and a handgun.
Evidence collected during the stop helped officers secure a search warrant for Poythress' home later that evening. Police say the search turned up the remaining 15 pounds of marijuana and two more firearms, bringing the total to roughly 45 pounds of marijuana and three guns.
Arrest and Booking
Investigators say the traffic stop capped off a months-long investigation into suspected drug trafficking, as reported by Atlanta News First. Online booking records show Poythress was processed into the Troup County jail on Feb. 27 on charges that include trafficking in illegal drugs and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to The Georgia Gazette.
What the Charges Mean
Under Georgia law, this amount of marijuana is nowhere near simple possession. State statute treats possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana as trafficking, which is a felony offense. The trafficking thresholds and penalties are set out in state law, which can be read on Justia.
A separate statute makes it a distinct crime to have a firearm during the commission of a felony. Under that law, which is also available on Justia, a conviction carries a mandatory five-year sentence that must be served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying felony.
How This Fits a Regional Pattern
This is not the only big marijuana-and-gun haul regional authorities have talked about recently. Multi-agency operations across metro Atlanta have led to a series of large drug seizures in the last year. A roundup from Atlanta News First last July highlighted an operation that recovered more than $5 million in narcotics, including 76.8 pounds of marijuana. Investigators say that kind of backdrop helps explain why months of surveillance preceded the LaGrange arrest.
Police Asking for Tips
LaGrange police are not ruling out the possibility that more people could be involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Clint Stephens at 706-883-2646 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s Tip411 system, according to WTVM. Officials have not said whether they expect additional arrests or charges as the investigation continues.
