An Austin man is behind bars on multiple charges after a traffic stop in Kyle, Texas, turned into a significant drug bust. On the early morning hours of the last Saturday, 30-year-old Leonelo Johnson Garza, Jr., was pulled over by the Kyle Police Department for various traffic infractions. CBS Austin reports that the officers noticed signs of intoxication during the stop and performed field sobriety tests.
Following the initial investigation, a search of Garza's vehicle resulted in to uncovering of a trove of suspected illicit substances. Items found included 42.2 grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine, 17 grams of possible cocaine, 5.1 grams of unprescribed Adderall, and over an ounce of marijuana, as well as paraphernalia including digital scales and empty plastic bags that are commonly associated with the distribution of drugs. According to KVUE, Garza Jr. is now facing serious charges, including driving while intoxicated and three counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.
The arrest of Garza Jr. adds to the persistent battle against drug trafficking in the region. Police departments continue to employ traffic stops as a mechanism to intercept those transporting narcotics. In this case, Kyle police acted upon the traffic violations to preventatively halt what they surmise to be an operation in drug distribution.
Garza was booked into custody following the arrest, where he will await the due process of law. Authorities hope that such arrests not only take drugs off the street but also serve to dissuade others from engaging in similar activities. "Officers observed signs of intoxication during the stop and conducted field sobriety tests," CBS Austin shared from the police statement, outlining the events that led to the charges, which now must navigate their way through the court system.
