From WRIL -
On Tuesday, June 9, 2021, off duty Middlesboro Officer Ryan Collins contacted Officer Chris Barnes after observing the driver of a black 2012 Chevrolet Camaro on Highway 25E northbound driving at a very slow pace weaving in the road way after exiting the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.
Officer Barnes made a traffic stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of Kroger grocery store and approached the driver, 48-year-old Rocky Couarm of Harrogate, smelling a strong odor of Marijuana. The citation states that Couarm was exhibiting behavior and symptoms consistent with being under the influence. He was administered a standard field sobriety test which he failed.
Couarm was taken into custody and a search incident to arrest revealed that he had a bag of suspected heroin in his pocket and a large amount of cash.
A search of his vehicle revealed a bag of what is believed to be Marijuana concealed under the back seat and a joint in his cigarette pack. Also found were syringes concealed in the paneling of the vehicle.
Rocky Couarm was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with trafficking in controlled substance – 1st offense (Heroin), importing heroin, trafficking in Marijuana – 1st offense, buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle under the influence – 4th offense (aggravated circumstances), no seat belt, no insurance card, no signal, and tampering with physical evidence.
He is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.