A routine traffic stop on Thursday, May 1, turned into a major drug bust after a Bowie County Sheriff’s deputy discovered more than 120 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle.
Deputy David McAlexander initiated the stop in the 8400 block of Highway 67, between South Kings Highway and Redwater. The driver, identified as Ramon Martinez-Munguia, immediately drew suspicion when the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
When questioned, Martinez-Munguia handed over two rolled marijuana cigarettes, which led to his immediate arrest. The passenger, Marc Isauro Arteaga-Carrion, was then asked to exit the vehicle so the deputy could conduct a search.
Upon opening the trunk, Deputy McAlexander discovered two vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, each weighing about one pound, that fell to the ground. A further search revealed a total of 114 individually packaged bags of marijuana, bringing the total weight to 126 pounds. Deputies also seized approximately $2,100 in cash.
Both Martinez-Munguia and Arteaga-Carrion were arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana over 50 pounds but under 2,000 pounds. They are being held on $100,000 bond each.
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Department praised the stop as a significant disruption to local drug trafficking and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to keeping drugs off the streets and highways. Authorities say the investigation is still underway to determine the origin and intended destination of the narcotics.
“This is exactly the kind of alert policing that keeps our communities safe,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We’re proud of Deputy McAlexander’s vigilance and quick action.”
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office.
