Citizen Tip Leads To Arrests Of Two Men On Drug Charges

A tip from a concerned citizen to the Smithville Police Department led to the arrest of two men on drug charges Wednesday night.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says Jimmy Brown Martin of 2454 Hurricane Ridge Road is charged with simple possession of marijuana and Billy Joe Griffith of 9659 Short Mountain Highway is charged with possession of a schedule IV drug and sale and delivery of marijuana.
Bond for Martin is $1,500 and Griffith is under a $5,000 bond.
Chief Stufano says “On Wednesday night at approximately 8:00 p.m., Smithville Police responded to the MAPCO gas station at Highway 56 and Highway 70 to investigate a reported suspicious incident in the parking lot.”
“A concerned citizen had called relaying that the occupants of two vehicles were acting suspiciously and possibly selling narcotics. Officers responded, locating the vehicles and subjects, and after a short investigation arrested the two men.”
“During the investigation officers found three bags of marijuana totaling approximately 24.4 grams in Griffith’s vehicle. In addition to Griffith’s arrest, his vehicle was seized under the State’s Drug Forfeiture Act.”
“Martin was arrested after officers found a bag of marijuana hidden on his person.”
Chief Stufano says “Smithville Police appreciate the overwhelming response our citizens have shown in contacting us about suspicious persons or incidents. Our police officers are committed to actively investigating all criminal concerns within the city limits and want you to know that our residents safety and security is our number one priority.”