George West, TX — Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on a commercial truck in Live Oak County this week.
According to DPS, the seizure occurred on March 4 just after 3:30 p.m. during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop on U.S. Highway 281 near George West.
A trooper stopped a blue 2020 Kenworth tractor-trailer for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper observed signs that led to further investigation.
A K-9 from the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office was called to assist and alerted to the trailer.
Troopers and DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents then searched the trailer and discovered a hidden compartment beneath a false floor.
Inside the compartment, authorities found 479 black tape-wrapped bundles of methamphetamine.
The bundles weighed approximately 1,980 pounds and have an estimated street value of about $3.4 million.
The driver of the truck, identified as 32-year-old Diego Mendez of Alton, Texas, was arrested at the scene.
Mendez was charged with possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams, a first-degree felony, and was booked into the Live Oak County Jail.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
