Two Deputies Taken to Hospital After 450 lb. Pot Bust
By: Jenna Zibton
Updated: September 25, 2009
Two Webster Parish Sheriff's deputies went to the hospital Wednesday night after a traffic stop that turned into a big bust.
About 450 pounds of pot was discovered along I-20, just east of Minden. Two deputies pulled over a U-haul truck after it reportedly started swerving. "After making the stop, we ran our canine Sydney Chesapeake around the vehicle approximately 24 package of marijuana was found" says Captain Don Smith.
It is routine for officers to cut one package open. This time they cut a pack open and powder exploded into their faces sending them to the hospital. "I'm worried about my brother officers right now. We haven't been able to make it to the hospital to check on them. Just getting updates by phone right now. I'm worried for my brother officers" says Capt. Smith.
The two deputies were taken to Minden Medical Center complaining of their skin burning, possibly from insecticide being wrapped inside the packaging, something Captain Smith says is becoming more common to mask the smell of drugs. "One of the state troopers had gotten an email or something in reference to this kind of contamination happening" says Capt. Smith.
Two men have been arrested. The sheriff says they were traveling from Houston to North Carolina on I-20 but won't release their names or pictures because state police are following up hoping to make more arrests.
The two deputies are expected to be okay. The chemical found inside the marijuana will be tested by the crime lab Thursday. There could be additional charges of aggravated battery of an officer.
About 450 pounds of pot was discovered along I-20, just east of Minden. Two deputies pulled over a U-haul truck after it reportedly started swerving. "After making the stop, we ran our canine Sydney Chesapeake around the vehicle approximately 24 package of marijuana was found" says Captain Don Smith.
It is routine for officers to cut one package open. This time they cut a pack open and powder exploded into their faces sending them to the hospital. "I'm worried about my brother officers right now. We haven't been able to make it to the hospital to check on them. Just getting updates by phone right now. I'm worried for my brother officers" says Capt. Smith.
The two deputies were taken to Minden Medical Center complaining of their skin burning, possibly from insecticide being wrapped inside the packaging, something Captain Smith says is becoming more common to mask the smell of drugs. "One of the state troopers had gotten an email or something in reference to this kind of contamination happening" says Capt. Smith.
Two men have been arrested. The sheriff says they were traveling from Houston to North Carolina on I-20 but won't release their names or pictures because state police are following up hoping to make more arrests.
The two deputies are expected to be okay. The chemical found inside the marijuana will be tested by the crime lab Thursday. There could be additional charges of aggravated battery of an officer.
