Nearly 70 pounds of marijuana recovered during traffic stop

Published 4:40 pm Monday, June 9, 2025

Two Vicksburg residents were arrested on drug charges Sunday around 9:45 p.m. by the Vicksburg Police Department.

VPD Lt. Donnie Heggins pulled over a vehicle occupied by Tayvion Osha Pope, 22 of Vicksburg, and Robert La Mont Ward, 24 of Vicksburg, due to a window tint violation.

Heggins said that after speaking with the two men, he suspected drug activity in the vehicle. He called for backup from K9 Officer Blake Scallions, who used VPD narcotics detection dog Nadia to inspect the vehicle. Heggins said Nadia indicated on the vehicle.

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After a search, officers uncovered approximately 66 pounds of marijuana and two handguns. The marijuana has a street value of around $100,000, VPD officials said.

Pope and Ward have both been charged with trafficking a controlled substance. The two had their initial appearances in Vicksburg Municipal Court Monday afternoon.

Pope was already out on bond for a possession charge. His bond was set at $300,000. Ward’s bond was set at $200,000.

“With consistent work (from the narcotics division), with the good work they’re doing, there’s more to come,” Chief Penny Jones said.