In a scene straight out of a crime drama, a routine traffic stop in Seminole, Oklahoma, took an unexpected turn when officers discovered a massive marijuana grow operation concealed within a moving van. The incident, captured on body camera footage, highlights the ever-present battle against drug trafficking and the crucial role of law enforcement in keeping communities safe.
The incident unfolded when Seminole Police Officer Billy Messner pulled over a Penske moving truck for multiple traffic violations. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Bun Wong, was initially stopped for driving significantly under the speed limit and crossing the white line twice.
Body camera footage of the traffic stop.
While Officer Messner was waiting for Wong’s license and registration, he decided to conduct a K9 sweep of the vehicle. Before doing so, he asked Wong if there were any illegal drugs in the truck, to which Wong admitted there was “weed” in the back.
When asked if it was “full-size plants,” Wong simply replied, “They’re just plants though.” This raised red flags for Officer Messner, who inquired about a transportation license, which Wong admitted he did not have.
Officer Messner questioning the driver.
Under Oklahoma law, transporting marijuana, even for legal purposes, requires a valid transportation license. Realizing the potential severity of the situation, Officer Messner asked Wong to open the back of the moving van.
Moving van filled with marijuana plants.
The sight that greeted Officer Messner was astounding: the entire back of the van was filled with meticulously arranged marijuana plants. Wong claimed to have 150 plants, but a later count revealed a staggering 222 plants in various stages of growth.
As Officer Messner questioned Wong further, inconsistencies in his story began to emerge. Wong claimed to be traveling from Okemah, Oklahoma, but his intended destination and the route he was taking didn’t align with his statement. Sensing something was amiss, Officer Messner radioed for backup.
Officers inspecting the marijuana plants.
Upon arrival, the additional officers examined the manifest provided by Wong, which purportedly authorized the transportation of the marijuana plants. However, the officers quickly noticed several discrepancies. The manifest had a creation date of January 11th, while the actual date of the traffic stop was January 11th, indicating a fabricated document.
Further investigation revealed that Wong’s intended destination was over two hours and 140 miles away from his current location, and he was heading in the wrong direction. The officers concluded that the manifest was fake and that Wong was likely involved in an illegal marijuana grow operation.
Wong was detained for transporting marijuana without a license and his vehicle was impounded. The marijuana plants were seized as evidence. Wong was subsequently charged with cultivation of a controlled substance and is awaiting a status hearing scheduled for March 2nd.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating drug trafficking. The sophistication of these operations, often involving interstate transportation and fraudulent documentation, necessitates constant vigilance and proactive measures from law enforcement.
The Seminole Police Department’s successful interception of this illegal grow operation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of officers like Billy Messner, who go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our communities safe.
