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Massive Cocaine Seizure in Interstate Drug Bust near Lincoln Airport

By Chase Porter Aug 7, 2023 | 3:43 PM

Law enforcement officers from Lancaster County’s criminal interdiction unit made a significant drug bust on Thursday afternoon, seizing a substantial amount of cocaine and over $84,000 in cash. The operation unfolded around 2:45 pm on Interstate 80 near the Lincoln Airport.

The incident began when members of the criminal interdiction unit pulled over a white Peter Belt semi-truck hauling a mobile home. The driver, identified as 63-year-old Arailde Matos from Las Vegas, was observed crossing road lines multiple times.

Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin provided details about the bust, stating, officers received consent to search the vehicle, “When they did this, a taped up box contained 19 kilos of cocaine. As they continued to look, in a lock toolbox behind the cab, they located 21 kilos of cocaine. That’s 88 pounds.”

The drug bust yielded not only a significant amount of cocaine but also a substantial sum of money. Chief Deputy Houchin remarked, “They located $84,145 and it was wrapped up in cellophane.”

Arailde Matos, the 63-year-old driver, now faces serious charges. Chief Deputy Houchin stated, “Matos was cited for possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver. He was also cited and released for a drug tax violation and possession of money in violation of drug statutes.”

The scale of this cocaine seizure is remarkable, as Chief Deputy Houchin pointed out, “This is a very large load of cocaine. Not a lot of times do we get that amount.” The swift and effective response by the criminal interdiction unit led to the successful apprehension of the suspect and the removal of a significant amount of drugs from circulation.