Routine traffic stop results in unusual marijuana bust

Felony charges are expected to be pressed against 3 Kansas City men arrested in I-35 in Daviess County Feb. 24. Law officers confiscated 234 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on a speeding 1994 white Chevrolet Camaro. Street value of the illegal drug is estimated in excess of $200,000.

Now held at Ray County Security Housing on $185,000 bond each and awaiting arraignment are Antioco Xanchez-Soto, 39, Luis M. Ramirez-Cuevas, 20, and Erik Hernandez-Valdovinos, 19. All three men admit to being illegal immigrants.

Officer Tyson Gardner made the arrest after observing the car traveling in excess of 80 mph on the Interstate about 1:30 p.m. Sunday. He also noticed that the car failed to display license plates and that a temporary license in the rear window not only was registered in a different state but also for a different vehicle.

While talking to the suspects, Trooper Gardner heard different responses about the suspects’ trip to Minnesota and suspected drugs might be present. Daviess County Sheriff Kevin Heldenbrand responded within 10 minutes upon Trooper Gardner’s request for backup. Trooper Mark Wilhoit of the Patrol’s canine unit arrived and a dog confirmed the presence of drugs in the vehicle.

The search revealed high quality marijuana packaged in 234 zip-lock plastic freezer bags, approximately one pound per bag. The bags were stacked in the trunk, back seat and back deck of the sports car under blankets. One bag was open and partially used, apparently by one or more of the suspects.

“We had to call an interpreter to interview these suspects which sounds easy but involves much more than what you might expect,” says Sheriff Heldenbrand. “The Highway Patrol provided the interpreter. Normally, we would bring the suspects here but we took these to Cameron where there were facilities to interrogate them separately. This made the entire processing much longer. I know I was involved from 1:30 to about 10 p.m.”

Immigration and federal authorities are now involved. The vehicle and evidence are impounded at Troop H headquarters in St. Joseph. Arraignment and other legal proceedings against the men also will necessitate a certified interpreter.