From Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder:
At approximately 7:00 p.m. this evening, Deputy Garrett Haney observed a white Chevrolet Malibu commit a traffic violation at the intersection of county road 818 and county road 845. A traffic stop was initiated. During the course of the stop, Narcotics Sergeant Jimmy Huffstetler and his K9 partner Bane arrived on scene and conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Bane alerted at the driver door of the vehicle. A probable cause search was initiated, and during the search over three pounds of marijuana was located inside the vehicle.
Wanda Costner, age 64 of Eastern Greene County, was taken into custody for Possession of Controlled Substance, Schedule IV, With Intent to Deliver (Class C Felony). Costner was taken to the Greene County Detention Center where she will be held until a probable cause hearing is conducted and a bond is set.
Anticipating the “what a waste of time on a harmless plant” comments, I’ll leave you with this: Non-medical marijuana is illegal in the state of Arkansas. Period. During the November General Election, an effort was made by the citizens of Arkansas to legalize marijuana in the state and that effort failed.
If you’ll recall your Civics classes in high school, the legislative branch of government is responsible for establishing, amending, and repealing laws. The executive branch (that would be us) is responsible for enforcing the laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and doling out the applicable punishment. Until our controlled substance laws are changed, either by the legislature or by popular vote, it will be business as usual with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Great job Deputy Haney, Sgt. Huffstetler, and K9 Bane! Well done!
- Sheriff Brad Snyder