Traffic stop for window tint leads to $82K marijuana bust, GSP says

Allen Bernard Harris

Allen Bernard Harris

Authorities said they seized about $82,000 in suspected marijuana after a traffic stop on I-20 for illegal window tint on a vehicle.

About 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, a Georgia trooper was on I-20 East in Newton County when a black Nissan Versa approached going well below the posted speed limit, according to the incident report. But the tint on the windows appeared to be too dark.

After a traffic stop, the driver was identified as Allen Bernard Harris, 49, of Covington, the report said.

The trooper said he saw two large FedEx boxes in the vehicle and said Harris was nervous when questioned about the boxes.

Due to inconsistencies in Harris’ statements, the trooper presented him with a consent to search form, which Harris didn’t sign, according to the report.

A second trooper had arrived with his drug dog, which detected narcotics in the vehicle.

Based on the dog’s alert, the trooper searched Harris’ vehicle and the boxes. About 32 pounds of suspected marijuana valued at $60,160 was found, the report said.

Authorities later searched Harris’ residence and allegedly found 12 pounds of marijuana valued at $22,572.

Harris was booked into the Newton County Jail. He has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, marijuana trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime.

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