A routine traffic stop on Interstate 22 turned into one of the largest drug seizures in recent county history, with deputies discovering 600 pounds of illegal narcotics inside a van, with an estimated street value of $1 million, authorities said.
According to the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department, deputies stopped a van on Sunday evening, December 21, 2024, for a traffic violation on I-22. During the check, officers observed suspicious behavior and searched the vehicle, discovering hundreds of pounds of illegal substances concealed inside.
Sheriff Leo Mask said that the discovery contained a considerable amount of narcotics prepared for distribution. “Our deputies did an excellent job staying alert during what began as a simple traffic stop,” the sheriff added. “Their quick action prevented a significant amount of drugs from reaching our communities.”
The van’s driver, Almas Bekzhanov, 39, of Kazakhstan, was arrested right away. Investigators established that Bekzhanov was in the United States unlawfully and charged him with trafficking a controlled drug under Mississippi law.
The Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office stated that they have subsequently notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about Bekzhanov’s immigration status. Federal authorities are now assisting in the ongoing probe, which may involve worldwide drug trafficking networks.
“This arrest highlights the importance of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies,” Sheriff Mask stated. “We will continue to work closely with ICE and other partners to combat large-scale drug operations.”
Authorities estimate that the 600 pounds of narcotics had a street worth of around $1 million, making it one of the greatest seizures ever recorded in Pontotoc County. Investigators are currently determining the particular type of narcotics confiscated, but preliminary indications indicate the drugs were intended for distribution across numerous states.
Law enforcement officials highlighted that such large numbers frequently suggest to coordinated smuggling activities that use interstate highways like I-22 as transportation corridors between major hubs.
Bekzhanov is currently being held without bond at the Pontotoc County Jail, pending additional charges and a federal probe. He faces serious penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and deportation if convicted.
Authorities are still tracing the shipment’s origin and destination. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are likely to assist with the larger probe.
“Our community is safer today because of the vigilance of our deputies,” Sheriff Mask added. “We remain committed to removing dangerous drugs and traffickers from our roads.”
Law enforcement officials in Mississippi have noted a surge in large-scale drug seizures in recent years, often connecting them to interstate trafficking networks. Officials believe the busts highlight the rising need for cross-agency cooperation to halt narcotics trafficking before they reach smaller areas.
According to FBI data, I-22 and surrounding highways have become major transportation routes for illegal drug shipments traveling through the Southeast.
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