Traffic stop on Mississippi interstate leads to discovery of 22 pounds of fentanyl in hidden compartments

Published 4:57 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Approximately 22 pounds of fentanyl were found hidden inside secret compartments of a pickup truck that was stopped on the Mississippi interstate Friday.

Officials from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office report that the traffic stop occurred on Interstate 20 at about 2 p.m. Friday.

Arturo Gonsen-Miranda, 64, of North Carolina, was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of a controlled substance.

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During the traffic stop, a Rankin County deputy, suspicious that the driver was involved in drug trafficking, called in a K9 unit to assist. The K9 officer alerted deputies to the hidden drugs that were hidden in two false compartments in the vehicle.

In all, 22 pounds of fentanyl were discovered in the compartments.

Gonsen-Miranda is being held at the Rankin County Jail without bond.