Anthony Yates
Authorities reportedly arrested a man who claimed he was heading to Dallas to see his doctor. Officers inspected his vehicle and found drugs hidden in Taco Bell wrappers concealed in the roof of his SUV.
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What happened: The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) posted a press release about the incident. A jury found 57-year-old Jose Luis Valverde-Ramos guilty of conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- The press release explains that Valverde-Ramos drove his Mitsubishi Outlander to the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo on June 14. He told authorities he was traveling to see his doctor for blood pressure treatment, but law enforcement was unconvinced.
- Officers noticed “anomalies” in the SUV’s ceiling and referred the vehicle for a more in-depth search. Authorities reportedly x-rayed the Mitsubishi and found a custom “non-factory compartment in the ceiling,” which was electronically controlled.
- Law enforcement found eight “tube-like packages” in the box. Each one was wrapped in plastic, complete with Taco Bell Doritos Locos packaging. The release explains that authorities weighed the haul, uncovering 51.15 kilograms of methamphetamine in the packages.
The Driver Argued He Was Unaware Of The Drugs
The jury was unconvinced: USAO reveals that Valverde-Ramos claimed he did not know about the drugs, but the jury was unconvinced.
- The jury reportedly heard that Valverde-Ramos asked authorities if they had found a GPS in his vehicle. He said someone had contacted him about his location, even though he had never revealed it. Evidence was also shown in court, including photos of the modified ceiling compartment.
- Authorities say Valverde-Ramos will face sentencing on December 9. The charge carries a minimum of 10 years in prison and a possible maximum fine of $10 million.
Another drug incident: Earlier this month, authorities in Florida found drugs during an unusual traffic stop. A Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputy noticed a car on a bridge where it appeared the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.
- As the deputy approached, he found 37-year-old Abby Lyn Schagrin asleep in the driver’s seat with “a crack pipe in plain view.”
- Even more concerningly, he discovered two children in the back seat: a toddler and an unrestrained infant. Police revealed that Schagrin has an extensive criminal record, including DUI. Authorities booked her for multiple offenses.
