April 7, 2016
By Paul Joseph, Paragon Communications News Director –
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers seized more than $53 million in drugs and currency during 137 traffic stops and investigations along the Interstate 40 corridor and other roadways in the Texas Panhandle in 2015.
DPS Region 5 Commander Gary Albus says his troopers “continue to work diligently, interdicting criminals who put our communities at risk” and that “DPS remains vigilant in combatting drug smugglers.”
Albus says in the Texas Panhandle alone, troopers prevented almost two tons of illegal drugs from being sold on the street.
The seizures included approximately 3,265 pounds of marijuana and its derivatives, 264 pounds of methamphetamine, 167 pounds of PCP, 50 pounds of heroin, 21 pounds of hashish, 19 pounds of opium, 13 pounds of cocaine and more than $1.8 million in cash.
As a result of the 137 seizures by Texas state troopers, DPS Region 5 special agents also arrested seven suspects during follow-up investigations.
In addition, special agents seized three vehicles, four firearms, 115 grams of heroin, two pounds of marijuana and more than $35,000 in cash.
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