DPS Trooper Seizes $2.5 Million Worth of Meth During Traffic Stop in Oldham County
OLDHAM COUNTY, Texas – A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper seized approximately $2.5 million worth of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Oldham County.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on March 5 at approximately 7 p.m. The trooper, who was patrolling the highway, noticed a white Nissan Altima with Louisiana license plates following another vehicle too closely, changing lanes unsafely, and displaying an incorrect license plate.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop based on these violations. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Maria Elena Gomez, and the front passenger, Oscar Luis Deleon, the trooper discovered that the driver was operating a rental car out of Oklahoma City. Gomez also revealed to the trooper that she had marijuana inside the vehicle.
Further investigation included a free air sniff conducted by the trooper’s assigned K-9 unit, which positively alerted to the presence of narcotics.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers discovered 54 large Ziploc-type bags filled with a crystalline substance in the trunk. The total weight of the seized methamphetamine was approximately 57 pounds. Both Gomez and Deleon were detained at the scene. DEA agents and DPS investigators arrived to assist in the investigation.
Court documents reveal that during questioning, Deleon admitted to picking up the meth from Scottsdale, Arizona, and transporting it back to Oklahoma. He also stated that he was being paid for the delivery and that the driver, Maria Gomez, was unaware of the illegal narcotics being transported in the vehicle.
The estimated street value of the seized methamphetamine is valued at $2.5 million.
Both individuals remain in custody as authorities continue to investigate the case.