Narcotics K-9 Unit Seizes Meth

Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Sunday, Feb. 6, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sgt. Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Toyota Tacoma on I-10 at the 671 mile-marker at approximately 4:51 p.m. for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was involved in smuggling 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 alert to the bed of the truck for the odor of illegal narcotics. Kolt indicated to two large PVC pipes that were capped on each end. Thumann cut the pipes open and located approximately 15 pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $400,000. The driver, Eric Olachea, 39, from Spring Valley, Calif. was arrested for Felony Drug Possession and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.