Troopers seize marijuana hidden in air compressor
Law enforcement officials investigate a pickup truck where 63 pounds of marijuana was found on U.S. Hwy. 59 on Wednesday.
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Troopers seized more than 60 pounds of marijuana after stopping a man and his wife for a traffic violation on Tuesday.
Victor M. Villagomez, 43, of Pharr was headed toward Houston on U.S. Hwy. 59 in a white Ford F-150 when Department of Public Safety Trooper Jay Schultz stopped the vehicle near Farm-to-Market Road 1686.
Villagomez was handcuffed and guarded in a ditch as troopers searched his vehicle about 11 a.m.
Troopers located 63 pounds of marijuana in a 20-gallon air compressor located in the bed of the truck. Schultz removed the engine of the compressor and found 34 bundles of marijuana, which is valued at $31,500.
Villagomez, whose birthday was Tuesday, was arrested on suspicion of possession of between 50 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana, a second degree felony, and taken to the Victoria County Jail.
His wife was not arrested.
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Comments
More than likely they already had a tip of some kind.
January 5, 2012 at 1:03 p.m.victorianbybirth:
January 5, 2012 at 12:32 p.m.What were the "signs" of criminal activity? - “Victor M. Villagomez, 43, of Pharr”
I asked what the "signs of criminal activity" were. That comment is very vague.
March 25, 2010 at 9:52 p.m.It was clarified. Read the corrections section and even the reporter herself posted a message about the correction.
March 25, 2010 at 9:41 p.m.What were the "signs" of criminal activity?
Gobblerfan2, it clearly states he was handcuffed & guarded in a ditch while they searched his vehicle. I assume that means he consented to the search & they handcuffed him & then searched & then located. If that is not how it happened then the story needs to be clarified.
March 25, 2010 at 9:31 p.m.I was the reporter on the scene of the arrest. When the trooper stopped Victor M. Villagomez he found signs of criminal activity and Villagomez consented to a search of his vehicle. The troopers then located 63 pounds of marijuana. The man was then arrested and stood as troopers continued to search the vehicle.
March 25, 2010 at 6:33 p.m.He was handcuffed AFTER the contraband was found. The suspect was not arrested until the contraband was located.
March 25, 2010 at 5:47 p.m.If you folks think these idiots are cruising down 77 and 59 going 55mph with all lights, blinkers, equipment working properly you had better think again. Yes, I think some may be ratted out before they get here but most are stupid criminals that are getting stopped with a load of dope or smuggling humans and can't resist speeding.
What a way to spend you Birthday!
March 25, 2010 at 2:33 p.m.A traffic violation is what it is. Handcuffs are legal for the safety of the officer. ON THE FLIP SIDE, California is about to make it all legal anyway.
March 25, 2010 at 9:13 a.m.Absolutely, Zorro! The reports by Victoria Police Department no longer say anything beyond "traffic violation".
March 25, 2010 at 6:44 a.m.Law inforcement answers to no one!
He was being detained, for the safety of himself and the officers. Learn to get a real job and earn an honest living.
March 24, 2010 at 11:42 p.m.Why would they handcuff him? Was he trying to flee? There is no justification for handcuffing when no crime has been committed.
March 24, 2010 at 11:34 p.m.Does anybody really believe he was pulled over for a traffic violation? Somebody ought to be pulled over and arrested for privacy violation.
March 24, 2010 at 9:40 p.m.handcuffed doesnt mean you are definetely under arrest at that point he was just being detained during the search
March 24, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.Why did they handcuff him BEFORE the search & BEFORE they found anything? If they had found nothing then what? How is that even legal?
March 24, 2010 at 7:50 p.m.Happy Birthday Victor enjoy your jailhouse cake!
March 24, 2010 at 7:08 p.m.does it really matter that it was his birthday Tuesday??? I mean really??
March 24, 2010 at 6:49 p.m.