Kazakhstan native arrested for trafficking 600 pounds of marijuana in Pontotoc County

Almas Bezhanov (Photo courtesy of the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Department)

An arrest has been made after more than 600 pounds of drugs were confiscated by law enforcement in northeast Mississippi.

Kazakhstan native Almas Bezhanov, 39, is charged with trafficking a controlled substance after a van he was operating was pulled over in Pontotoc County on Sunday.

A deputy conducted a routine stop for a traffic violation on Interstate 22, but it turned out there was more for authorities to discover. Hundreds of pounds of marijuana and other illicit substances were apprehended by police at the scene.

Pontotoc drugs — Photo courtesy of the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department

Bezhanov is reported to be living in the U.S. illegally. Local authorities contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement of his detention in the Magnolia State.

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By Caleb Salers

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Caleb Salers is a multimedia journalist for SuperTalk Mississippi News. As a lifelong Jacksonian, Caleb has deep roots in Mississippi and a vested interest in the Magnolia State. Prior to joining the news team, Caleb served as a podcast host. In his spare time, you will find Caleb watching sports, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Memphis Grizzlies. For inquiries or story tips, email [email protected].