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Posted by: kwflatbed

By Cristen Martin
cjmartin@thenewsstar.com



Sgt. Shannon Harkins was working the overnight patrol shift early Monday morning on Interstate 20 when he noticed that a maroon 1993 Kenworth switched lanes improperly when approaching his vehicle. Harkins, a member of the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team stopped the vehicle at about 3 a.m. near I-20 and Garrett Road for improper lane usage.

After backup units arrived, a roadside interview was conducted with the two occupants of the truck. Officers asked permission to search the vehicle, Harkins said. "We pulled back the carpet and something didn't seem right," Harkins said. "That's when we saw the first cellophane package."


An extensive search of the tractor trailer revealed that Nicolas Segura Gonzales III, 21, of Edcouch, Texas, and Daniel Castillo, 46, of Elsa, Texas, were hauling 218 pounds of suspected powdered cocaine that, if sold, would net about $10 million.

Gonzales was arrested on charges of possessing 218 pounds of cocaine with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, improper procedures on approach of an emergency vehicle and improper lane usage.

Castillo was arrested and charged with possessing 218 pounds of cocaine with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

According to official police reports, one of the suspects told officers that they thought they were hauling marijuana instead of cocaine.

Harkins notified the Metro Narcotics Unit of the Ouachita/Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force following the drug bust.

During a Monday afternoon news conference, Ouachita Parish Chief Deputy Joe Davis noted the bust as the largest seizure in the parish.

"Last night was very productive for the SCAT (Special Crimes Apprehension Team) team and Metro narcotics in Ouachita Parish," Davis said.

Metro includes deputies from the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's department and officers from the Monroe and West Monroe Police departments, along with representatives from the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency task force.

Representatives from all agencies were at the news conference.

In an unrelated case about the same time Monday morning near the same intersection, ICE member Cpl. David Crain stopped a SUV occupied by Phillip Glen Hayes, 46, of Lancaster, Texas, and Patrick LaMonte Robinson, 22, of Garland, Texas.

A search of the vehicle yielded about 2 kilograms, or about $200,000 worth of suspected cocaine.

Hayes and Robinson were booked on cocaine possession and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. All suspects arrested in both busts were booked at Ouachita Correctional Center. Bond had not been set late Monday.

Arely D. Castillo/The News-Star

Standing next to cocaine bricks at the Metro Narcotics building in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Richard Fewell discusses a cocaine bust that took place Sunday night.

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Posted by: SinePari

Nice grab for the good guys.

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Posted by: USMCMP5811

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwflatbed According to official police reports, one of the suspects told officers that they thought they were hauling marijuana instead of cocaine.

Ohhhhh, Ok, in that case, here's a verbal for improper lane change and have a nice day!

unbelievable....

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Posted by: lokiluvr

Awsome catch guys!!!

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