UPDATE: ‘Missing’ trucker was actually in custody

The Trucker News Services

10/30/2008

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Axo, the Jasper County (Mo.) Sheriff's Office's newest drug-sniffing dog, was called out on Oct. 26 to help the Missouri State Highway Patrol search a tractor-trailer on Interstate 44, according to an article in the Carthage Press.

The patrol and the sheriff said Axo was able to locate 30 pounds of marijuana in the cab of the tractor-trailer, resulting in the arrest of the rig's driver, James L. Bradsher, 42, Hurdle Mills, N.C.

Bradsher was reported missing earlier by his company, Network Transportation, and a plea was issued to help locate him.

Bradsher remained in custody in the Jasper County Jail on $5,000 bond.

The patrol said a commercial vehicle enforcement officer stopped Bradsher's truck at 9:25 p.m. at the 23 mile marker.

"While the commercial vehicle officer was inspecting the vehicle, a trooper arrived to assist," the patrol's release said. "Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop prompted the trooper to ask for permission to search the tractor and trailer.  Consent was given for the trailer, however, was denied for the tractor. A Jasper County Sheriff's Department K-9 was used and indicated a positive response to the tractor."

A sheriff's office release said Axo and his handler were called to the scene by the patrol.

"The K-9 team conducted a walk around of the vehicle and trailer," the sheriff's release said. "K-9 "Axo" alerted several times indicating the presence of illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed a large duffel bag in the cab of the truck, which contained three large bundles of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was approximately 30 pounds. No other drugs were found in the cab or trailer."

Bradsher faces one felony count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. He was scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Richard Copeland on Thursday.