Three arrested for drugs in New Madrid County traffic stops

NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo. -- Two separate traffic stops by the Missouri State Highway Patrol resulted in the arrest of three suspects for trafficking in drugs.

The first traffic stop was on Interstate 55 in New Madrid County for a vehicle following too close, according to the patrol. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

With the aid of the Highway Patrol canine, 2.3 ounces of crack cocaine and 5 ounces of marijuana were located.

The driver, Jamie B. Matthews, 32, of Springfield, Ill., and passenger Carl Carpenter, 37, of Memphis, Tenn., were arrested and charged with felony drug trafficking.

Just three hours later, a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer stopped a vehicle on Interstate 55 in New Madrid County for an equipment violation.

During the course of the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious and requested consent to search the vehicle. With the aid of the Highway Patrol canine, 18 pounds of marijuana were located hidden inside the vehicle.

The driver, Pedro Areitia, 25, of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested and charged with felony drug trafficking.