Marion Co. checkpoint leads to largest drug seizure in sheriff’s career

MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Marion County deputies were surprised when a vehicle rolled through a checkpoint without stopping last Friday, but they were more surprised by what they found inside the car.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Department conducted a safety checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 16, on Highway 35 North and Old Highway 35 North in Columbia.

Sheriff Berkley Hall said that deputies pursued and pulled over a white Nissan Armada after the driver failed to stop at the checkpoint.

The occupants of the car were 37-year-old Carlos Casiano of La Vergne, TN; 34-year-old Stephany Loggins, of Nashville, TN and a 16-month-old toddler.

During the stop, deputies searched the vehicle after receiving consent and found 28 lbs. of marijuana and 2 kilos. of cocaine.

“To my knowledge, this is the largest drug seizure in Marion County in my entire law enforcement career,” said Hall. “I would like to commend my department on a job well done.”

Stephany Loggins faces two counts of aggravated drug trafficking and one count of possession of... — Stephany Loggins faces two counts of aggravated drug trafficking and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.(Marion County Sheriff's Department)

Carlos Casiano faces one count of aggravated drug trafficking, one count of possession of a... — Carlos Casiano faces one count of aggravated drug trafficking, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of DUI - first offense, and one count of DUI - child endangerment.(Marion County Sheriff's Department)

The sheriff’s department arrested Casiano and Loggins and charged them with aggravated trafficking and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Casiano was also charged with DUI - first offense and DUI - child endangerment.

Child Protective Services took custody of the child.

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