Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) showcased its ongoing commitment to tackling drug trafficking with a major seizure of methamphetamine this week. A routine traffic stop in Live Oak County led to the confiscation of nearly 2,000 pounds of meth, valued at a staggering $3.4 million. The drugs were destined for Dallas and concealed within a commercial vehicle.
The incident unfolded on March 4, 2026, when a DPS trooper pulled over a blue 2020 Kenworth truck for a traffic infraction on US 281 near George West. During the stop, the trooper noticed suspicious signs that prompted further investigation. A K9 unit from the Live Oak Sheriff’s Office was brought in and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. Following this tip, DPS agents discovered 479 bundles of meth wrapped in black tape, cleverly hidden under a false floor compartment.
The driver, 32-year-old Diego Mendez from Alton, Texas, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, which escalates to a first-degree felony due to the significant weight of the drugs. He is currently in custody at the Live Oak County Jail, while the investigation continues.
This operation is part of the larger initiative known as Operation Lone Star, which has actively engaged state resources to combat drug trafficking and enhance safety across Texas. Notably, this division of DPS has a proven track record beyond drug-related offenses. Just days ago, the agency collaborated with the U.S. Border Patrol to apprehend human smugglers, capturing five illegal aliens in the Rio Grande Valley. Among those apprehended were three individuals from Vietnam. The 17-year-old guide, Gaiell Ramirez, who was also in the country illegally, faces charges for human smuggling and evading authorities.
The cartels employ tactics such as colored wristbands to keep track of payments for smuggling operations, highlighting the calculated nature of these criminal endeavors. This recent string of arrests and seizures reinforces the importance of vigilance and proactive law enforcement in disrupting these dangerous networks.
Overall, the actions taken by Texas DPS reflect a determined effort to safeguard communities from the threats posed by drug trafficking and illegal immigration, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced along the southern border.
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