WHITE COUNTY DEPUTIES UNCOVER DRUGS IN TRAFFIC STOP
From White County Sheriff Steve Page:
On October 16, 2025, at approximately 3:51 AM, Deputy Mullins conducted a traffic stop on Burgess Falls Rd./Old Cookeville Rd. A yellow pickup truck was failing to maintain its lane, and the vehicle’s registration had expired in September 2025.
Upon approaching the passenger side of the vehicle, Deputy Mullins detected a strong odor of marijuana. Mullins explained the reason for the stop and requested the driver’s license and registration. The driver was unable to produce a driver’s license. Deputy Mullins noted his information and contacted Dispatch to check his driving eligibility. Dispatch confirmed his license was suspended and had not been reinstated.
Mullins re-approached the vehicle on the driver’s side to investigate the suspended license and again noticed a strong odor of marijuana. He asked the driver if there was anything in the vehicle he needed to know about, to which he replied to no. Mullins observed two grow lights in plain view, which could be used for marijuana cultivation.
After Deputy Mullins instructed the driver and the passenger to be honest with him, the passenger then retrieved what’s believed to be a large marijuana plant from under the seat and placed it on the seat.
During the investigation, Mullins located what’s believed to be:
- approximately 3.5 grams of methamphetamine
- one marijuana plant with approximately 50 buds
- multiple packaged Xanax pills
- multiple pipes (drug paraphernalia)
- one large bag containing marijuana
- six grow lights used for manufacturing marijuana
