Cocaine Found

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Friday November 13, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Ford F-150 on Interstate 10 at the 667 mile-marker at approximately 10:56 a.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver Sgt. Thumann observed many indicators of narcotics trafficking and asked for 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 78.5 kilos of cocaine concealed in the spare tire under the bed of the truck. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $850,000. The driver Eduardo Sandoval, 29 from New Mexico, was transported to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center and charged with Felony Possession of Controlled Substance.