The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is calling it one of the biggest meth busts they’ve ever seen. Chief Deputy Ben Houchin says they stopped a vehicle yesterday afternoon on I-80 near 56th Street for following to closely.
When deputies made contact with the driver and passenger they noticed an open container of alcohol. “They spoke with the individuals and got consent to search the vehicle, and during the search they found 117 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the vehicle,” Houchin says. “If there was a void, there was methamphetamine packed in the car doors, dash, back backseat, front seat, everywhere.”
Houchin says the meth has an estimated value of $5.3 million. “This is probably one o if not the biggest one our criminal interdiction unit has gotten since it’s startup in 2012.” Ever Cano Ruacho and Jimmie Collazo of Minnesota were arrested and booked into the Lancaster County Jail.
Houchin says he’s not sure where they were coming from but they do know it’s highly likely they were going to Minnesota. “What a great stop, that is a lot of methamphetamine and I’m proud of this unit and so glad that we are utilizing it.”
LPD and Homeland Security are a part of the task force.
Ever Cano Ruacho Jimmie Collazo
(Photos: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department)