10 POUNDS OF METH SEIZED ON HIGHWAY 290 MONDAY

  

10 pounds of meth was seized Monday afternoon just east of Ledbetter.  Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Monday, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit, Sergeant Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Black Ford Escape on Highway 290 near Deer Haven Lane for a traffic violation.  After speaking to the driver, many criminal indicators were observed and consent to search the vehicle was obtained.  Sergeant Thumann deployed his canine “Kolt” to conduct an exterior sweep of the vehicle.  Thumann observed Kolt alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. Sergeant Thumann and Investigator David Smith located an aftermarket compartment built into the windshield cowling of the vehicle where they removed 5 bags of Meth with a street value of $400,000.  The driver Josue Ortiz, (41) of Austin, was arrested for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.