K-9 Unit Seizes Nine Kilos of Cocaine

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Monday, April 26, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K-9 partner Kolt, stopped a Dodge Durango on Interstate 10 at the 667 mile-marker eastbound at approximately 9:35 a.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver Sgt. Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was involved in transporting illegal narcotics. Sgt. Thumann was given consent to search the vehicle. Sgt. Thumann deployed his canine Kolt to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle. Sgt. Thumann observed Kolt alerted to the interior of the vehicle for the presence of illegal narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed an after-market compartment built into the dash. Eight bricks of cocaine, with a street value of $885,000 was removed from the compartment. The driver, Lauro Valdes, 23 of San Antonio, was arrested for felony drug possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center. Assisting on the stop was Fayette County Investigator David Smith. Pictured from left is Sgt. Randy Thumann, K-9 Kolt, and Investigator David Smith.