Law enforcement agencies in Mississippi seized more than a ton of drugs and arrested two truck drivers on drug trafficking charges last week.
The drug seizure took place on October 29, 2026, in Rankin County, Mississippi.
Multiple agencies including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MSDPS), the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madison Police Department partnered for a “coordinated law enforcement operation” involving a traffic stop on on 18 wheeler traveling on I-20.
As a result of the traffic stop, officials seized 204 pounds of cocaine and 1,959 pounds of marijuana.
Truck driver Yohannes Teane Haile, 36, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and co-driver Belayneh Kassa Befikadu, 42, of Clarkston, Georgia, were arrested and charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Cocaine and Trafficking of Marijuana.
MSDPS
“This significant seizure demonstrate the impact of strong partnerships between local and state law enforcement agencies,” said MSDPS Commissioner Bo Lucky. “By working together, we are able to disrupt the transportation of dangerous drugs and prevent these substances from reaching our streets and communities. I commend the dedication and professionalism of every oflicer and agency involved in this operation. Their efforts are making a meaningful difference in protecting the people of Mississippi.”
“We are committed to working with and cooperating with all our law enforcement partners to reduce the availability of drugs, not only in Rankin County but in the Metro Area and the State of Mississippi. Our continued goal is to have a safe, secure community in which we can all live, raise our families, and retire,” said Rankin County Sheriff Bailey.
