Routine traffic stop leads to large drug bust

JONES COUNTY, Miss. - This is a press release from the Jones County Sheriff's Department.

On August 3, 2016, Jones County Sheriff’s Department’s Crime Suppression Unit made a traffic stop on Interstate 59 near exit 78. David Laphand, 33 of Quitman, was the driver of white Expedition.

Passengers of the vehicle were Anthony Q. Johnson, 19 of Stonewall and Bobby G. Stokes, 38 of Stonewall. Laphand immediately exited the vehicle as deputies approached, which caused a pat down from the deputies for their safety.

A weapon was found in his back pocket and a bag of what is believed to be 125 Ecstasy tablets was in his front pocket.

A K9 alerted on the vehicle and a search produced one pound of marijuana and one pound of what is believed to be cocaine. The total street value of all the narcotics found on the scene would be approximately $20,500.

One additional weapon was found in the car. The weapon found on Laphand was determined to be stolen from Clark County. The three were taken into custody and transported to the Jones County Adult Detention Center.

As Johnson was being dressed out at the Detention Center, corrections officers found an additional 1.7 grams of cocaine hidden within his clothing.

Charges:

Laphand: Bond set at $60,000

• Possession of Stolen Firearm

• Trafficking of Controlled Substance with a Firearm

• Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver w/ a Firearm

• Aggravated Traffickingof Controlled Substance with a Firearm

Johnson: Bont set at $30,000

• Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility

• Aggravated Trafficking of Controlled Substance with a Firearm

• Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver w/ a Firearm

Stokes: Bond set at $30,000

• Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver w/ a Firearm

• Aggravated Trafficking of Controlled Substance with a Firearm

*If convicted of Aggravated Trafficking, the maximum sentence is Life without Parole