RANKIN COUNTY, MS – A routine traffic stop in Puckett this week escalated into one of the region’s largest recent drug seizures, ultimately uncovering a large-scale marijuana distribution network operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The incident began when Puckett police stopped an SUV on Highway 18 Wednesday evening. What started as a standard enforcement action quickly shifted when officers discovered approximately 120 pounds of high-grade marijuana concealed inside the vehicle. The driver and passenger, Karissa McDonald, 23, and Jose Estrada, 26, both from Modesto, California, were immediately taken into custody.
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Investigation
Once the SUV was secured, investigators began tracing the origin of the seized marijuana. The discovery raised immediate red flags due to the amount and packaging style, which suggested bulk distribution rather than local possession. This prompted additional agencies to join the inquiry.
The Puckett Police Department collaborated with the Madison Police Department, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, and members of the DEA/HIDTA Drug Task Force. Their combined efforts helped map out a wider operation suspected to be supplying marijuana to dealers throughout the Metro area.
Warehouse Search Uncovers 500 Pounds of Marijuana
By Friday morning, investigators had gathered enough intelligence to search a rented warehouse near the Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. The findings confirmed their suspicions: inside, authorities located an additional 500 pounds of high-grade marijuana along with a significant amount of cash…