Crawford County, Arkansas – Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police (AHP) Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) seized a massive shipment of illegal marijuana during a routine safety inspection along Interstate 40 on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The discovery, hidden in a commercial motor vehicle carrying pool tables, marks one of the largest drug seizures on Arkansas highways this year.
During the inspection, AHP officers uncovered six pallets of marijuana concealed within the load, totaling approximately 3,000 pounds. The shipment, valued at more than $3.5 million, was being transported under the guise of legitimate cargo. Authorities say the driver, Steve Williams, 43, was traveling from California to Florida when the illegal shipment was intercepted.
“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, highlighting the department’s proactive approach to highway safety and law enforcement. Williams was arrested at the scene and faces charges including 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.
The seizure comes during a year of intensified efforts by AHP officers. So far in 2025, they have confiscated more than 23,000 pounds of illegal drugs on Arkansas highways. Chief Holmes emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, stating, “AHP remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the citizens of Arkansas by continuously removing dangerous criminals from our Highways. This seizure highlights the importance of law enforcement’s continuous efforts to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking operations.”
The operation not only removes a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation but also demonstrates the critical role highway inspections play in combating crime. By conducting routine safety and compliance checks on commercial vehicles, AHP officers are able to detect and intercept illicit activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Authorities believe that the shipment was part of a larger trafficking network operating across multiple states. While Williams has been taken into custody, investigations are ongoing to identify potential accomplices and the broader distribution chain behind the operation. The discovery serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking and the innovative methods traffickers use to conceal contraband.
Residents and drivers are encouraged to remain aware of AHP’s presence on major roadways and to report any suspicious activity. The agency’s consistent patrols and inspections continue to play a vital role in keeping Arkansas highways safe for all travelers.
The successful interception of 3,000 pounds of marijuana reflects both the expertise and dedication of AHP officers and underscores the importance of routine highway inspections as a frontline defense against illegal drug distribution in the state.
This seizure adds to a growing record of law enforcement success in 2025 and reinforces the Arkansas Highway Police’s commitment to public safety, crime prevention, and the protection of communities across the state.
