Stuffed Monkey Lands Texas Couple in Jail on Drug Charges

An unrestrained, large monkey is being credited with tipping off an alert Arkansas State Trooper, leading to the discovery of a significant amount of illegal drugs and the arrest of two people Monday. The stuffed monkey was sitting on the dashboard of a pickup truck and allegedly obstructing the view of the driver, Tonya Rachelle Garner, 35, of Willis, Texas.

According to Associated Press, the trooper, who was patrolling Interstate 40 near Forrest City, Arkansas, pulled the vehicle over to cite Garner for driving with an obstructed view. Upon approaching the vehicle the trooper reported smelling marijuana and searched the vehicle. Instead of finding marijuana, he found more than 2,100 hydrocodone pills, 70 Xanax pills and 85 Soma pills. Soma and hydrocodone are pain relievers and Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders. Further investigation revealed drug paraphernilia as well as an undisclosed amount of crack cocaine, according to St. Francis County District Court records.

The trooper arrested Garner and her passenger, Dennis Ray Garner, 34, also of Willis, Texas, and charged them with three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernilia. Apparently the arresting trooper was mistaken about the marijuana smell as there is no additional citation for that. Tonya Garner was also cited for driving with an obstructed view of the road. The whereabouts of the monkey are unknown.

Both of the Garners were arraigned Wednesday afternoon in St. Francis County, Arkansas District Court and the charges were bound over to Circuit Court. The Garners were then released from custody after posting a $2,500 cash bond, according to Angie Mathis of the District Court Clerk's Office.

Several points can be taken from this story. First of all, if you're going to be driving with large amounts of illegal drugs, it's best to keep your monkey properly restrained. If you do get pulled over, St. Francis County, Arkansas is a good place to do it. Most jurisdictions would require a much higher bond for four felony charges and a few misdemeanors, especially if you are from another state. Finally, it's always a good idea to have an extra $2,500 or so just in case your stuffed monkey draws some unwanted attention from law enforcement officers.

According to Mathis, the couple of alleged drug-running monkey lovers are likely on their way back to the Lone Star State.

There are some that may wonder why no progress is being made on the war on drugs. This should clear that up.

On the Web: at http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/04/17/ap3623663.html. Retrieved 4/18/2007.