Slow down when you reach mile marker 82 on the I-95 in Richmond Hill because a trooper may be near.
The marker 82 hideaway spot has been a common denominator for three sizable drug busts within the past month, according to law reports for the month.
Millions of dollars worth of drugs and about $20,000 cash were among items confiscated in the three recent busts conducted by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department traffic unit.
Unit commander Lt. David Blige said these types of busts are fairly common for the unit, but the amount of the seizure differs greatly.
On April 9, it was nearly $10 million worth of ecstasy pills.
Blige initiated a traffic stop when he witnessed a vehicle crossing over the white line. He separately interviewed the driver and the passenger, who reportedly gave conflicting statements. He noted in his report that both seemed very nervous. This led to Blige calling in the county’s newest K-9 team, Deputy Robert Crapse and Seppe.
According to the report, Seppe immediately alerted to the car. A subsequent search by responding unit member Deputy Shane Tatum led to finding 23 clear plastic bags filled with ecstasy pills inside a gym bag in the trunk, the report said.
Driver Canadian Anthony McNicoll allegedly admitted the dope was his. Passenger Richard Salmon, 26 of New York, came back as being a Jamaican fugitive. Both, along with the drugs, were turned over to the GBI.
"Seppe is a darn good dog," Blige said. "Ready to go at all times and is doing a great job thus far. A welcome addition to my unit."
On April 1, Deputy Crapse pulled out of the patrol spot on marker 82 after spotting a vehicle with a concealed tag.
Crapse noted it was Seppe who helped in yet another bust, alerting to marijuana and $20,000 in suspected drug money.
In his report, Crapse detailed how the unit found a small amount of marijuana and $20,000 in cash.
On March 24, Lt. Blige saw a vehicle cross the center line and initiated a traffic stop from mile marker 82. An interview with the driver turned into a search of the vehicle. A cigarette box full of marijuana was allegedly found in the front while 72 viles of an undisclosed quantity of cocaine was found wrapped in a pair of pants, authorities said.
Driver Robert Casuso, of New York, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and trafficking cocaine.