Trooper's Report:
On 8-28-23 I, Trooper A. Escamilla, was patrolling in the area of Interstate 40 East near the 173 mile marker. I observed a Gray
Chrysler Pacifica bearing New York LPN (KNX6341) following too close to a tractor trailer in the number 2 lane. I initiated a
traffic stop on Interstate 40 E near the 175 mile marker. I made contact with the driver who was identified as Paul Diffee. I
advised Paul of who I was, the agency I represented and the reason for this stop. Paul stated that he did acknowledge that he
was following too close and apologized for it.
While speaking to Paul I could smell the odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle. I had Paul provide me with his
driver’s license and advised him to come to my vehicle to further my investigation. I asked Paul what his travel story was and
he stated as follows; Paul stated that he was training for a triathlon event and had flown to Dallas Texas from Wilmington North
Carolina. Paul stated that he trained over the weekend and drove up to Oklahoma City to catch up with a friend. I asked Paul
for his rental agreement in which stated that Paul had gotten his rental from Oklahoma City on 8-27-23.
I asked Paul if there was anything illegal in the vehicle and I advised him that I smelled the odor of marijuana. Paul stated “you
got me” and stated that he had smoked on his trip and that he had some THC Wax in his backpack. I then placed Paul in the
rear of my vehicle and conducted a probable cause search. I opened the rear of the SUV and located a large duffle bag in the
rear of the vehicle. The bag had a small lock on it. I opened the bag slightly which yielded several bags of Marijuana. I placed
Paul in handcuffs and when doing so Paul stated that he had 32 pounds of marijuana. I asked Paul what the code was to the
lock in which he provided. While doing a search of the vehicle, I located a small bag inside of the vehicle which contained a
large amount of US Currency.
I advised communications to notify a wrecker service to have the vehicle towed to Lonoke County Sheriff's Office. Carlisle Auto
arrived on scene and towed the vehicle. I transported Paul to Lonoke County Sheriff's Office and placed him in the sally port
while I assisted with processing the evidence. I contacted DEA TFO David Dillon who responded to Lonoke County Sheriff's
Office to take possession of the marijuana.
Post Miranda, Paul stated that he flew from North Carolina to Oklahoma City on 8-
27-23. Paul stated that he paid $28,000 for 32 pounds of Marijuana. Paul stated that he expected to make a 30% profit. Paul
stated that he had done this 1 time prior however he had picked up 10 pounds of marijuana. I charged Paul accordingly.
I transported the U.S Currency to Centennial Bank in Cabot Arkansas. The total amount of currency was $8,228.00. I
completed the ASP 100 form and Paul refused to sign.
