Marijuana Seized On I-20

His first day on the job, Dino, Canton Police Department’s new K-9 officer along with his handler/partner officer Heath Burton, and officer Anthony Cantrelle made a drug bust on Interstate 20 Friday night.

Burton stopped a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria eastbound on Interstate 20 near the Farm-to-Market 17 exit.

Burton said the driver appeared very nervous, avoiding eye contact.

"He said he was coming back from a funeral in Dallas and was going to Jefferson," Burton said.

The driver, Billy Roy Fuller, 36, Vivian, La, refused to allow Burton to search his vehicle.

Burton’s K-9 partner Dino was then called upon to search around the vehicle.

"I got him (Dino) out and started him toward the car and he alerted on the trunk and at first he changed his posture," Burton explained. "We came back down the side of the car and he alerted on the trunk immediately again."

Due to Dino giving Burton probable cause, Burton opened the trunk of the car and according to his report, "detected a strong odor of marijuana."

After moving some clothes scattered in the trunk of the car, Burton located a black trash sack with seven gallon zip top bags containing one pound each of marijuana.

Fuller was then taken into custody and transported to the Canton Police Department for book-in.

According to Burton’s report, after being searched twice, officers located a small frame semi-automatic 25 caliber gun which fell out from under Fuller’s shirt.

Burton said Fuller has a lengthy criminal history.

Fuller was charged with possession of marijuana over five pounds/under 50 pounds, and unlawful possession of firearm by felon. His bond was set at $35,000.

"That’s the reason we need a canine," Burton said about Dino joining the force. "If we didn’t have a dog, this guy might have got away and he would have been on down the highway selling this dope."