K-9 Unit Seizes Cocaine

Fayette County Sheriff’s Dept. reports that on Wednesday, Feb. 10 the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a silver Saturn Vue on Interstate 10 at the 667 mile-marker at approximately 1 p.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was involved in transporting illegal narcotics. Thumann was given consent to search the vehicle. Thumann deployed his canine Kolt to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle. Thumann observed Kolt alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. Thumann located an aftermarket compartment built into the dash of the vehicle. Thumann accessed the compartment and removed five bricks of cocaine with a street value of $500,000. The driver, Denise Martinez, 34 of Eagle Pass, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center. Assisting on the stop was Trooper Josh Burger.