The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued the following statement.
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| Good boy, Zorro! |
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) announces the seizure of approximately 204 pounds of cocaine and 1,959 pounds of marijuana following a joint law enforcement operation in Rankin County.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), Mississippi Department of Public Safety Interdiction Team, Rankin County Sheriff's Department and Madison Police Department conducted a coordinated law enforcement operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 2,100 pounds of illegal narcotics.
During the operation, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop involving an 18-wheeler traveling along Interstate 20 in Rankin County. The stop resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 204 pounds of cocaine and 1,959 pounds of marijuana.
The driver, Yohannes Haile, and co-driver, Befikadu Belayneh, were arrested and charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Cocaine and Trafficking of Marijuana. Both individuals were transported to the Rankin County Detention Center.
"This significant seizure demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships between local and state law enforcement agencies," said Commissioner Bo Luckey. "By working together, we are able to disrupt the transportation of dangerous drugs and prevent these substances from reaching our streets and communities. I commend the dedication and professionalism of every officer and agency involved in this operation. Their efforts are making a meaningful difference in protecting the people of Mississippi."
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Director Jimmy Herzog emphasized the importance of coordinated enforcement efforts in combating drug trafficking throughout the state.
"Drug trafficking does not stop at county or jurisdictional lines, and neither should our efforts to combat it," said Herzog. "Operations like this highlight the value of intelligence sharing, communication and collaboration among our law enforcement partners. We remain committed to working alongside local agencies to identify and intercept illegal narcotics before they can be distributed throughout Mississippi."
Deputy Director of Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Phillip Pope praised the coordinated efforts of the agencies involved and their commitment to removing dangerous substances from Mississippi's roadways.
"This operation is a direct result of law enforcement agencies working together toward a common goal," said Pope. "Our officers and local partners remain vigilant in identifying criminal activity along Mississippi's highways. Seizing this quantity of illegal narcotics is a significant accomplishment, and we will continue working together to prevent dangerous drugs from making their way into our communities."
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey reiterated his department's commitment to collaboration and community safety.
"We are committed to working with and cooperating with all our law enforcement partners to reduce the availability of drugs, not only in Rankin County but in the Metro Area and the State of Mississippi. Our continued goal is to have a safe, secure community in which we can all live, raise our families, and retire," said Sheriff Bailey.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety remains committed to working alongside its local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking, disrupt criminal organizations and protect communities throughout Mississippi.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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| Befikadu |
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| Haile |



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5 comments:
Sic 'em, Zorro!
Likely illegals without CDLs.
That is alot of coke, DAMN!! Great job guys
Out of the night,
When the full moon is bright,
Comes the horseman known as Zorro…
That's an whole ass buttload of booger sugar!
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