On February 14 ,2024, Searcy County Deputy Troy Dye encountered a Nissan Sentra bearing a fictitious license plate.  After initiating a traffic stop, Deputy Dye contacted the driver, Melvin Rankin of Springfield, Missouri.

While speaking with Rankin, the deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  A search of the Rankin's person and the vehicle yielded methamphetamine, cocaine, drug paraphernalia and marijuana.  Positive results came after a field test.  It was also learned that Rankin had no valid driver's license and was on probation.

Rankin was placed into custody and transported to the Searcy County Detention Center for booking and processing.  He awaits a Searcy County Circuit Court appearance.