I-10 drug bust adds to latest efforts

(Guadalupe County) — With drug seizures and arrests already more than doubling over last year, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office says it has added yet another victory to its list. This one — a six-kilo cocaine bust on Interstate 10.

Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray says the traffic stop was reported on Thursday at around 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 617.  He says after developing clues of criminal activity, the deputy conducted a lawful vehicle search on a 2013 Dodge pickup truck and uncovered approximately six kilograms of cocaine, valued at $84,000.

Two men — Brandon Lee Garcia of Laredo and Lorenzo Garza of Somerset – were arrested and charged with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance. Both were booked into the Guadalupe County Jail.

Sheriff Ray, who took office in January, says the bust reflects a larger trend of success in cracking down on drugs and other criminal activity across the county.

“Thus far this year, through targeted patrol efforts and improved investigative strategies, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office has seen significant increases in illicit narcotic seizures and illicit currency seizures. Additionally, there has been statistical improvement in almost every enforcement category,” said Ray. “The data clearly indicates that our efforts of proactive versus reactive enforcement are tremendously improving safety for Guadalupe County citizens.”

According to the sheriff’s office, that data shows 2025 shaping up as a record-breaking year. Through August 31, deputies have seized $6.3 million worth of drugs—double the $3.1 million seized during the same period in 2024. Total drug seizures are also more than double, jumping from 66 kilograms in 2024 to 153 kilograms this year.

Other enforcement areas are also up. Deputies have seized nearly $1 million in illicit cash compared to $258,669 last year. They’ve also made 33 arrests in Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cases and 56 arrests of sexual predators. Those categories provided no recorded arrests in 2024. Traffic enforcement has also climbed throughout Guadalupe County, with 7,518 citations issued compared to 6,406 last year.

Ray says even case investigations are up, with the Criminal Investigations Bureau handling 478 cases this year compared to 453 in 2024.

This latest drug bust, according to Ray, is just another example of how his team’s strategy is paying off with more heightened enforcement efforts.