Traffic Stop Leads to Paragould Felony Marijuana Arrest

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A traffic stop in Paragould led to a felony marijuana arrest after police said an officer found more than 264 grams of marijuana and digital scales inside a vehicle.

Joel Antonio Rose, 18, was arrested on charges of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver, a Class C felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. Bail was set at $25,000 cash or surety, with the requirement for an ankle monitor by Judge Curtis Hitt.

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According to a probable cause affidavit, Officer Aston Jackson was on patrol on West Court Street on April 11, 2026, when she noticed the vehicle she was following cross the center line twice.

Jackson initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who was identified as Rose, according to the affidavit.

While speaking with Rose, Jackson reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked whether there was marijuana inside, Rose said he did not know, the affidavit states.

Police said Rose was asked to step out of the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted due to the odor of marijuana.

During that search, Jackson located a backpack in the rear floorboard behind the driver’s seat, according to the affidavit. Police said the backpack contained 264.1 grams of marijuana and a set of digital scales.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.