Two Georgia truck drivers are in custody on serious trafficking charges after a multi-agency operation seized an 18-wheeler moving over 2,100 pounds of illegal drugs on Interstate 20, state authorities announced.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, law enforcement officers recovered 204 pounds of cocaine and 1,959 pounds of marijuana during a targeted traffic stop.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) Interdiction Team, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madison Police Department all worked together to make the interdiction possible.
During the encounter on the I-20 corridor in Rankin County, authorities inspected the commercial tractor-trailer and discovered a significant narcotics hoard.
Authorities apprehended the driver, Yohannes Haile, and his co-driver, Befikadu Belayneh, both Georgia natives. Both guys were placed into the Rankin County Detention Center and charged with aggravated cocaine and marijuana trafficking.
“This significant seizure demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships between local and state law enforcement agencies,” said MDPS Commissioner Bo Luckey. “By working together, we are able to disrupt the transportation of dangerous drugs and prevent these substances from reaching our streets and communities. I commend the dedication and professionalism of every officer and agency involved in this operation.”
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