A routine traffic stop in Texas on January 18 led to the discovery and seizure of 50 pounds of a substance believed to be cocaine, according to a report from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. An FCSO representative says that the drugs would be worth about $5 million if sold on the street. A 50-year-old Mexican national has been taken into custody in connection with the alleged drug haul. Police have yet to determine how the narcotics were smuggled into the United States.

According to media accounts, an FCSO deputy with a K9 partner pulled over a Mazda CX-9 on Interstate 10 between Houston and San Antonio for an undisclosed traffic violation. The deputy, who, reports indicate, is a drug-interdiction specialist, says that he became suspicious when the man behind the wheel of the SUV gave inconsistent and contradictory answers to questions about his journey and itinerary. The deputy claims that the man then gave him permission to search his vehicle for drugs.

During the ensuing search, the deputy is said to have discovered packages of white powder in compartments that had been concealed in each of the vehicle’s seats. The deputy says that he then tested the substance and discovered that it was cocaine. This was the third major drug arrest made by the deputy in recent weeks.

Experienced criminal defense attorneys would likely advise their clients against consenting to any kind of warrantless search even if they believe that they have nothing to hide. Attorneys could also question allegations of drug crimes based on the results of roadside drug tests because the testing kits used by police have been known to identify benign substances like baking soda as illegal drugs.

Source: Breitbart, $5M in Cocaine Seized in Texas Traffic Stop near San Antonio, Bob Price, January 22, 2019