DPS Troopers Seize More Than $88 Million in Drugs and Currency

AMARILLO, TX – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers seized more than $88 million in drugs and currency during 122 traffic stops and inspections along the I-40 corridor in the Texas Panhandle last year.

According to a press release, the seizures included approximately 3,480 pounds of marijuana and its derivatives; 492 pounds of methamphetamine; 157 pounds of cocaine; 108 pounds of heroin; 51 pounds of hashish; and more than $722,000 in cash. A single traffic stop on July 24 led Troopers to seize 158 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $13.7 million.

Additionally, follow up investigations showed that DPS Region 5 Special Agents, in conjunction with federal law enforcement agencies, arrested eight suspects and seized $141,000 in cash, two vehicles and five firearms while pursuing members of drug trafficking organizations and criminal enterprises throughout the nation.

DPS Region 5 Commander Gary Albus expressed his gratitude to his troops saying, “Drugs remain a public safety concern for Texas and the entire nation, and we are proud of the efforts of our Troopers and Special Agents in 2016, when DPS seized more than two tons of drugs in the Panhandle alone.”

"DPS Special Agents and their federal partners will continue to follow available leads in an effort to disrupt the flow of drugs along our nation’s highways," said DPS officials.