K-9 Deputies assigned to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Highway Interdiction Team conducted a traffic stop on Feb. 14 on Interstate 49, southbound near the Woodworth Exit for a traffic offense. Contact was made with the driver, later identified as Hector Gomez, and an explanation of the stop was provided to him.
Through their investigation, Deputies obtained verbal consent to search the vehicle, but due to the slight language barrier, Deputies utilized a narcotic detection canine to conduct a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle. A positive alert was detected which indicated there was narcotics in the vehicle. Deputies then conducted a physical search of the vehicle which revealed a kilo (2.2 pounds) of black tar heroin in the front passenger floor board contained in a birthday gift bag. A digital scale and a plastic baggie containing powder cocaine were also found inside the vehicle.
Gomez was taken into custody without incident and placed under arrest for distribution of CDS I (Heroin), possession of CDS II (Cocaine), possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Driving on the Left.
Gomez was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where it was later learned that was in the United States illegally from San Salvador, El Salvador. RADE Agents also responded to assist in the investigation and Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agents were notified of the arrest.
Gomez remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $3,100 bond. Agents estimate the value of the heroin at $70,000.
The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Arrestee:
Hector D. Gomez, 21
2515 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA
Charges:
improper driving on the left
distribution of CDS I (Heroin)
possession of CDS II (Cocaine)
possession of Drug Paraphernalia