DPS Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Seizure

AMARILLO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, July 9, seized seven pounds of methamphetamine, worth more than $600,000, in Deaf Smith County.

At approximately 5:13 p.m., DPS stopped a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe for a traffic violation on U.S. 385 south of Hereford.  During the traffic stop, DPS discovered one pound of methamphetamine hidden in the dashboard. The traffic stop led to the execution of a search warrant at 101 N. Ave. K in Hereford. During a search of that residence, the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigations seized an additional six pounds of methamphetamine.

The driver, Paula Andrea Garcia, 31, and her passenger David Hernandez, 31, both of Hereford, were arrested during the traffic stop. Paciano Hernandez, 46, of Hereford, was arrested during the search of the residence. All three suspects were charged with possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams penalty group one and booked into the Deaf Smith County Jail.