Traffic Stop Leads to Recovery of Over 5 Pounds of Marijuana, Firearm in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA – A routine traffic stop for a suspended driver’s license escalated into a significant drug and firearm seizure early Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025. Atlanta Police officers recovered over five pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and nearly $3,500 in cash from a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Mark Morrison.

At approximately 12:34 AM, officers pulled over a 2016 BMW X4 at 3333 Piedmont Road NE after discovering the driver had a suspended license. The driver, later identified as Morrison, initially provided a false identity and claimed he did not have his license in possession.

During questioning, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A pat-down search of Morrison revealed a concealed firearm in his pants. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered several large plastic bags containing marijuana. In total, officers recovered over five pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and $3,457 USD from Morrison and his vehicle.

Morrison was charged with Driving While License Suspended, Illegal Window Tint, Providing a False Name to Police, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of Drug Related Objects. He was transported to the Fulton County Jail for processing.