Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reported that on Jan. 23, at about noon, Drug Interdiction Investigator David Smith conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 westbound at the 661 mile marker on a 2019 grey Volkswagen Jetta for traf- fic violations.
Upon contact with the driver, several criminal indicators were observed. After a conversation with the driver, Smith was given consent to search the vehicle, which was occupied by the male driver and a male passenger.
Smith located a crown royal bag with air fresheners placed around the bag. In the bag, Smith located a large amount of cash banded consistent with that of drug trafficking. Smith asked the passenger about the money in the vehicle and he said he had no idea about the money.
Smith then placed the driver, Ivan Mauricio Gonzalez, 31, of Laredo, under arrest, and the passenger, Robert Florencio Delacruz, was released with the vehicle.
Gonzalez was transported to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center in La Grange and charged with Felony Money Laundering.
Assisting at the scene was Deputy Herman Olvera and the total amount of cash bundles seized was $29,000.
Editors note: Interstate 10 is a main drug running conduit. This billion dollar industry is not only tafficking drugs but also humans. Be alert.
