17 kilos of cocaine seized during traffic stop in Fayette County
FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas - The Fayette County Sheriff's Office says a man has been arrested after a large amount of cocaine was seized during a traffic stop.
Officials say the Fayette County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Ford F-350 on Interstate 10 at the 667 mile-marker at approximately 12:35 pm on April 12.
After speaking to the driver, Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was being utilized to smuggle narcotics and he was given consent to search the vehicle.
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Thumann then deployed Kolt to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle and Thumann observed Kolt alert to the odor of illegal narcotics.
Officials say a search of the vehicle revealed an after-market compartment built into the dash. An electric motor was utilized to gain access through the airbag in the passenger dash.
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Approximately 17 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,700,000, was removed from the compartment.
48-year-old Alfredo Cabrera of Eagle Pass was arrested for felony drug possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.