Quite a load

By Staff
July 21, 2004
By any standard, the seizure in Meridian the other day of more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana is a big haul for law enforcement authorities. The fact that the pot, valued at $1 million, was hidden in a load of broccoli from Mexico being transported by an 18-wheeler to New York adds ever more credence to the belief that Interstate 20 is a thoroughfare for the drug trade.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents from Jackson picked up 1,897 pounds of marijuana in Meridian on Monday. The truck, driven by Juan Salinas, 39, of Mission, Texas, was eastbound when it was stopped on Interstate 20 for a traffic violation. Salinas was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The case reportedly will be prosecuted by the federal government.
With the thousands of 18-wheelers not to mention the other vehicles that pass through Meridian every day, officers have a tough job enforcing drug laws. When they make a major bust like this one, they get a few days' worth of notoriety. But the fact is they are on duty all the time trying to protect citizens against the scourge of illegal drugs.
Even the most experienced law enforcement professionals admit they can't stop all of the illegal drug traffic, but that only makes them work harder. We applaud their efforts and appreciate their service.