Authorities say a traffic stop on Interstate 10 led to the discovery of about 20 kilograms of meth hidden inside modified rope spools.
LA GRANGE, Texas — A traffic stop along Interstate 10 led to the discovery of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside modified rope spools, according to the Austin County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Keith Korenek said the stop happened around 5:30 p.m. on March 1, 2026, when Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thumann and Investigator Smith pulled over a vehicle traveling eastbound near the 716 mile marker on Interstate 10.
During the stop, deputies said they observed several indicators of possible criminal activity while speaking with the driver and passengers. Investigators obtained consent to search the vehicle.
Sergeant Thumann then deployed his K-9 partner, Kolt, to conduct an exterior sweep of the truck. The canine alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics.
During the search that followed, deputies discovered two suspicious spools of rope in the bed of the truck. Investigators say the spools had been modified to conceal 42 bags of methamphetamine.
Authorities estimate the drugs weighed about 20 kilograms.
The driver, identified as Mario Aranda Gomez, 57, of Houston, was arrested at the scene and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine. Officials say he was transported to the Austin County Jail without incident.
Members of the Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) responded to assist with the investigation.
Investigators say based on the circumstances of the stop and the vehicle’s direction of travel along the Interstate 10 corridor, the methamphetamine may have originated in Mexico and was likely headed to the Houston area for distribution.
Authorities say the seizure represents a significant disruption to narcotics trafficking operations that rely on major Texas highways.
The Austin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division also assisted Fayette County deputies during the incident.