Hancock County, Georgia – A late-night traffic stop in Hancock County led to the seizure of an estimated $1 million in marijuana, prompting an ongoing investigation and pending charges.
According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted around 11 p.m. Thursday after Hancock State Prison reported a suspicious vehicle near SE 1278 east of Johnny Britt Road. A deputy responding to the area allegedly observed a passenger throwing bags of suspected contraband from the vehicle.
The deputy attempted to locate the vehicle, which had briefly left the area. The vehicle was later found near Gerald Hubbard Road, where it was stopped for failure to maintain lane and speeding, according to the sheriff’s office.
As deputies approached, they allegedly detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Investigators said the passenger admitted the vehicle contained marijuana after the window was opened.
The two occupants — a male and a female — were asked to identify themselves. Milan Police Department officers assisted at the scene to secure the traffic stop.
The male driver was identified as Timothy Lamar Massenale, 35, of LaPlace, Georgia. The female passenger, also 35, is from Columbus, Georgia. Deputies escorted both individuals from the vehicle.
Investigators reported seeing multiple large bags in plain view inside the cargo area. A subsequent search of the vehicle and nearby roadside areas allegedly uncovered numerous bags of marijuana and additional items.
Authorities reported seizing approximately 115 pounds of marijuana, along with 44 pounds of tobacco, 18 cellphones, 17 charging cables, four blocks of contraband, two headphones, two power banks, two disposable vapes, one JBL speaker, and one toolkit. The total estimated street value was listed at $1,000,000.
Both suspects were transported to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Charges were pending as of Friday.
The incident may be of particular interest to commuters and late-night drivers traveling rural Hancock County roads.
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