A routine traffic stop in Guadalupe County on Thursday led to a major bust when deputies found about 31 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a Chevrolet Suburban. The driver was detained and now faces federal drug charges.
According to the Seguin Gazette, Lt. Zachary McBride said K9 Sgt. Dustin Crawford and his dog Zeus alerted to a Chevrolet Suburban, leading deputies to discover bundled packages of cocaine in a hidden compartment. Deputies detained Jose Gamez, a Mexican national, who now faces federal drug charges.
How deputies say they found the stash
Guadalupe County’s K‑9 unit has played a key role in several large drug seizures this year. Deputies often start with routine traffic stops, develop indicators of criminal activity, and, with consent, bring in the dogs to search vehicles. In May, a similar traffic stop on SH‑130 led to the discovery of about 26.45 kilograms of cocaine in hidden compartments. The sheriff’s office has increasingly relied on K‑9 searches and vehicle inspections to intercept large shipments, with assistance from local fire and rescue crews, MySA reported.
What federal charges could mean
Federal cocaine trafficking penalties are based on quantity. Possessing more than 5 kilograms can trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum, with longer sentences possible depending on drug purity, prior convictions, or additional charges. The U.S. Department of Justice provides guidance on these thresholds and penalties.
County trend and next steps
Local officials say interdiction work across Guadalupe County has surged this year. The sheriff’s office has reported seizing about 153 kilograms of illicit drugs, roughly double last year’s totals and valued at about $6.3 million through August, a jump authorities attribute to targeted patrols and expanded K-9 coverage on local highways. Seguin Today covered the sheriff’s summary of those year-to-date numbers.
The investigation into Thursday’s stop is ongoing. Deputies say the case will be forwarded to federal prosecutors for possible indictment, and no court dates or booking details have been released. Officials urge anyone with information about suspected trafficking to contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
