2024-03-05

13 lbs. fentanyl seized during traffic stop on I-40 in Carson County

The Texas Department of Public Safety seized more than 13 pounds of suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop in Carson County on March 5, 2024 (Credit: DPS)

CARSON COUNTY, Texas (KVII) — The Texas Department of Public Safety seized more than 13 pounds of suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop in Carson County.

Around 9:20 a.m. on March 5, a DPS trooper stopped a grey, 2023 Nissan Rogue with Arizona tags, traveling east on I-40 near Conway, for following a vehicle too closely.

According to court records, the driver, Jesus Esteban Meraz-Hernandez, 32, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, admitted he was transporting illegal drugs.

During a search of the SUV, the trooper found three plastic zip-locked bags containing "thousands of M-30 fentanyl pills" in a duffle bag, hidden inside the rear seat.

Meraz-Hernandez said he traveled from Florida to Downey, California where he met a man who gave him three packages containing "blue pills."

The handler told Meraz-Hernandez to take the drugs to Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Ohio.

Meraz-Hernandez was to be paid $10,000.

DEA agents searched his cell phone and found of photo of the fentanyl pills. They also found "other evidence" of drug distribution.

According to court records, the three bags of M-30 pills weighed 5.9 kilos (13.0073 lbs.) and the pills tested positive for fentanyl.

Meraz-Hernandez is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.