Sheriff's Office Seizes 4 Tons of Marijuana and $1.4 Million Cash
Sheriff George Wilhelm turned over to US Customs agents more than 8,200 pounds of marijuana and over $1.4 million in cash in what is believed to be the largest single seizure of drugs and cash in North Carolina history.
The Rowan Sheriff's Office Special Investigative Unit (SIU), members of the Special Response Team (SRT), Rowan County ABC and Sheriff Wilhelm himself followed through with information that a large shipment of marijuana was coming into western Rowan County aboard a tractor-trailer. When the truck was attempting to leave one location, Sheriff Wilhelm pulled into its path to block the get-a-way. When investigators opened the truck, they were overwhelmed by the amount of the contents. SIU Sgt. Kevin Auten said that they were expecting to get around 1000 pounds and little or no currency. What they found goes in the record books.
US Customs was on hand to collect the property and take the case into federal court. Several other local law enforcement agencies assisted.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday October 24th, 2001 the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office along with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) arrested 7 suspects for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (by possession and transportation), and Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine.. They seized 27 pounds of Methamphetamine (Street Value of 1.3 million dollars.), two vehicles, one handgun, and $4,400.00 in cash.
The arrest and seizures took place at 1351 Sloop Ave. in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Sheriff George Wilhelm of Rowan County praised the three agencies for their ability to work cooperatively to take these drugs off the street. Wilhelm said "Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous illegal drugs plaguing our society today." According to Wilhelm, "this is possibly the largest Methamphetamine seizure in North Carolina to date."
Sheriff Litchard Hurley of Randolph County said that " it is essential that sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies work together to rid our state of illegal drugs." Hurley commented " Since September 11th, 2001, it appears that Methamphetamine will become more frequently the drug of choice, because our borders are being monitored more closely. This causes the flow of illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Marijuana, and Heroin to be slowed down and lessened. Methamphetamine which can be processed in the United States becomes the drug more easily transported and distributed by drug dealers."
The 7 Suspects arrested and are being held in the Rowan County Detention Center with a one million dollar bond, each.
Suspect #1 Edgar Mendoza-Bustos, H/M DOB 09-05-74, 350 N. Fresno Ave., Fresno, CA.
Suspect #2 Samuel Flores-Valencia, H/M DOB 10-17-70, 2039 Walace Ave., Costa Mesa, CA.
Suspect #3 Norberto Rodriguez-Sila, H/M DOB 11-27-82, Ashboro, NC.
Suspect #4 Fedrico Vargas-Gomez, H/M DOB 08-02-73, Unknown Address
Suspect #5 Alfredo Torres-Gurrero, H/M DOB 08-05-64, 1351 Sloop Ave., Kannapolis, NC.
Suspect #6 Yasaira Valenzia, H/F DOB 02-04-79, Atlanta, GA.
Suspect #7 Maria Delacruz-Rodriquez, H/F DOB 05-06-79, 1067 Las Casas Lane, Madera, CA.