$1,000,000 on Cocaine Found

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Tuesday, Dec. 15 the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Chevy Silverado on Interstate 10 at the 658 mile-marker at approximately 12:37 p.m. for a traffic violation. The vehicle was traveling from Mexico to Houston. After speaking to the driver Sgt. Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle may be involved in smuggling illegal narcotics. Sgt. Thumann was given consent to search the vehicle. Sgt. Thumann deployed his canine partner Kolt to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle. Sgt. Thumann observed Kolt alert to the vehicle for the presence of illegal narcotics. Sgt. Thumann and Investigator Smith searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 10 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,000,000, inside the vehicle’s oil pan. Julio Yanez (44) of Laredo was arrested for felony cocaine possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.