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A routine traffic stop in Pontotoc County, Mississippi led to the seizure of an estimated 600 pounds of illegal narcotics, valued at approximately $1 million.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2024, when deputies stopped a van on I-22 for a traffic violation. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered the large quantity of illegal drugs. The driver, identified as Almas Bekzhanov, 39, from Kazakhstan, was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance.
According to Sheriff Leo Mask, Bekzhanov is in the United States illegally, and his immigration status has been reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Samples of the narcotics have been sent to the state crime lab for further analysis.
