Major drug bust
Published 7:35 am Monday, October 20, 2014
The Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, or CAT Team, made a drug bust on I-10 Wednesday with the estimated street value of contraband totaling $1 million, authorities said Sunday.
The incident occurred at about 3:45 p.m.
CAT Team Detective Corporal Kevin Hoover conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near mile marker 37 eastbound on I-10 for a traffic violation.
The driver, identified as Jose Gabriel Mendez, and the passenger, Jack Edward Lane, claimed to be traveling from Brownsville/Houston, Texas to Florida.
Hoover observed both subjects acting suspiciously, according to a news release.
“Following the traffic stop, Corporal Hoover requested permission to search the (vehicle),” Mark A. Kraus, deputy chief of police and department spokesman, said in the release. “Lane, the registered owner of the vehicle, gave written consent. Corporal Hoover also deployed his K-9 (Mako) and obtained an odor response on the vehicle.”
A subsequent search was conducted and revealed approximately 1.5 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine and 33 lbs. of cocaine concealed inside the door panels of the truck.
Mendez and Lane were both arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute more than 400 grams and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams.
