OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 55 lbs of Cocaine, Arrest of California Man – Interstate 5 south of Ashland (Photos)
Oregon State Police- 07/24/12
An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop Tuesday morning led to the arrest of one California man and the seizure of (25) kilos of high-grade cocaine – approximately 55 pounds – on Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The seized cocaine has an estimated value of $875,000. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation.
According to Sergeant David Beck, on July 24, 2012, at approximately 7:40 a.m., an OSP trooper stopped 2011 Nissan Altima displaying California license plates near milepost 12 for a traffic violation. The operator was identified as ISRAEL MENDEZ-GONZALEZ, age 57, from San Bernardino, California.
A subsequent investigation related to the stop led to the discovery of twenty-five (25) individual sealed packages of cocaine concealed within the vehicle. An OSP drug detection canine was utilized during the stop.
MENDEZ-GONZALEZ was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Distribution and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance- Cocaine. Bail is set at $60,000.
Two passengers, an elderly female and juvenile male, were released later and not arrested.
Photographs – Oregon State Police
### http://www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Attached Media Files: Mendez-Gonzalez , 2012-07/1002/56281/072412.i5mp12.cocaine.JPG
