I-16 Left-Lane Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine, Mushrooms and THC Seizure in Twiggs County

TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. – A traffic stop prompted by a driver allegedly blocking faster traffic in the left lane of Interstate 16 led Twiggs County deputies to cocaine, suspected psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana and other drugs.

Members of the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office CSU/K-9 Unit were conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement Sept. 11 when they stopped a vehicle traveling west on I-16 for impeding the flow of traffic.

The sheriff’s office said it has received complaints about motorists remaining in the left lane while other vehicles attempt to pass. Georgia law requires drivers in the left lane to move over when being overtaken by a faster vehicle, with certain exceptions.

What began as a traffic enforcement stop soon developed into a drug investigation.

Deputies said they developed probable cause to search the vehicle and recovered 2.7 grams of cocaine and 9.3 grams of suspected mushrooms.

Authorities also reported finding a mushroom-infused candy bar, THC vape pens and less than an ounce of marijuana.

According to the sheriff’s office, one of the female passengers became so nervous during the encounter that she passed out. She was medically evaluated and cleared.

Two women were ultimately taken to the Twiggs County Law Enforcement Center.

The sheriff’s office did not release their names or specify what criminal charges they face.