$100 Million in Fentanyl Seized Here

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Narcotics Interdiction Unit seized approximately $100 million worth of the deadly drug Fentanyl during a traffic stop last week. The drugs were discovered inside a sophisticated hiding spot, and they featured a symbol believed to be the brand mark of a drug cartel.

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reported that on Friday March 5, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt stopped a Jeep SUV on IH-10 at the 668 mile-marker at around 8:47 a.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver, the report said, Thumann became suspicious that the occupants were smuggling illegal narcotics.

The occupants gave Thumann permission to search the vehicle, the report said. Thumann searched the vehicle and observed an after-market compartment built into the rear deck of the SUV.

“Thumann accessed the compartment, which was well constructed and operated on electric motors,” the report said.

Thumann recovered five bricks of Fentanyl with an estimated street value of $100 million. The bricks featured a symbol that resembled a horseshoe. Lt. David Beyer of the Sheriff’s Office said he did not know what the symbol meant, but he said he believed it was a brand mark for the cartel behind the drug smuggling operation.

The driver, Briana Tenorio, 18, and passenger Jonathan Gonzalez, 20, both from Houston were arrested for felony drug possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.