A routine traffic stop on Interstate 20 led to the Rankin County deputies finding over 42 pounds of methamphetamine and 20 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside a vehicle being hauled on a tractor-trailer.

According to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6 when a deputy noticed a commercial truck carrying multiple vehicles failing to maintain a single lane of travel near mile marker 68.

After pulling the vehicle over and speaking with the driver, the deputy became suspicious of potential criminal activity. A consensual search of the vehicles on the trailer led authorities to a silver BMW, where deputies said they found suspicious irregularities. The truck and its cargo were then escorted to a sheriff’s department facility for further inspection.

Upon closer examination, deputies uncovered 42.4 pounds of methamphetamine and 20 pounds of fentanyl hidden inside the BMW.

According to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, investigators believe that neither the driver nor the trucking company were aware of the illegal cargo being transported.

As a result, the driver was released without charges, though the case remains under active investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.