💥ASP Trooper Escamilla with another drug bust! 8 lbs. marijuana, mushrooms, and $7,346 seized

#arkansasstatepolice
Trooper's Report:
On 11-13-23 at approximately 2119 hours, I, Trooper Ana Escamilla, was in the area of Interstate 40 near the 170 mile marker.
I observed a Gray Toyota Corolla Bearing California (9HCJ146) traveling in the number 1 lane. As we traveled East, I observed
that the Toyota Corolla began following too close to a tractor trailer in which was in front.
I initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near the 171 mile marker. I made contact with the driver who was identified as Heng
Chheng. I advised Heng of who I was, the agency I represented, and the reason for the stop. Heng was explained why he was
following too close and he acknowledged. While speaking with Heng, I asked him for his identification and the documentation
for the vehicle. Heng stated that the vehicle was a rental vehicle. The passenger, identified as Hunter Prophet provided the
rental agreement.
While reading the rental agreement, I observed that the vehicle was rented on November 12, 2023 in San Diego California and
was to be returned on November 14, 2023 in Virginia. While speaking to Heng I observed that he appeared to be very nervous.
As Heng provided his driver’s license, Heng was visibly shaking and appeared to be breathing very heavily. I asked Heng to
exit the vehicle and come to mine as I continued my traffic stop.
I asked Heng where they were traveling from. Heng stated that he was traveling from San Diego California to Richmond
Virgina. Heng stated that he flew San Diego on Sunday November 12. Heng stated that he traveled to San Diego California on
Sunday November 12 to go to a memorial service for a family member.
When asked why he chose to drive back instead of
flying back, Heng stated that he could not find any flights available to return.
I asked Heng who the Hunter was to him. Heng stated that he owns some night clubs and that Hunter is a manager him. Heng
stated that Hunter agreed to travel with Heng. I asked Heng what he was traveling with. As I spoke more and more with Heng,
he appeared even more nervous. I asked Heng is he was traveling with anything illegal. Heng stated “no”. I asked Heng if he
had any illegal narcotics in which he stated no. I asked Heng if I could search his vehicle in which he mumbled multiple times “I
don’t see why not”. As I spoke with Heng about his quick turnaround from San Diego California, he stated that the reason he
left so soon, was because he had to work.
Heng was asked again if anything illegal was in the car in which he stated “no”. When asked if we could open the trunk of the
car, Heng stated that we could. I opened the trunk of the car and observed 2 bags and the spare tire next to those bags. As
soon as the trunk was opened, I smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle. I went back to my car
and asked Heng again if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle and he stated “no”. I went to the trunk of the vehicle lifted
the divider in which the spare tire should have been in. As I opened that divider, I observed a blanket. Under that blanket was a
large trash bag. Inside the large trash bags were several bags of marijuana. The marijuana were in bags that were filled with air
and tied up.
Both Heng and Hunter were placed under arrest. I then began to search the vehicle in its entirety. Inside the center console, I
observed there to be a cloth concealing a bulky item under it. Under the cloth was a large quantity of money in which was
banded up. I placed the large currency inside of my vehicle.
I made contact with Hunter and read him his miranda rights. Hunter agreed to speak to me without an attorney present. I asked
Hunter who’s marijuana it was in which Hunter stated that he was already in it and would not be telling who’s the marijuana
was. I searched Hunter’s person and located Hunter to have a large quantity of currency in his pocket. Hunter stated that the
money was his. Inside of the vehicle was Hunter’s wallet. Inside the wallet was a baggie that contained mushrooms. Inside that
wallet was an amount of U.S Currency.
Trooper Price informed me that while placed Hunter under arrest, Hunter
spontaneously advised him that they had 8 pounds of marijuana.
While at the sheriff's office, Troopers counted 8 bags of marijuana from the trashbag. Troopers also counted a total of
$7,346.00 in U.S Currency. I contacted Prosecutor John Huggins with Lonoke County who approved the money seizure. I
completed all necessary documentation to include the ASP 100. I advised Hunter and Heng that their currency would be
seized. Both stated that they refused to sign the Asset Forfeiture Form.