Manuel Cuellar-Martinez, 1044 Hwy. 91, and Jose Luis Cuellar-Zamarron, 1864 Stagg Ave., Basile, were each charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs (marijuana), possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (cocaine), possession of Schedule III drugs (Lortab), possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of weapons, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law (drug free zone).
Eunice Police Chief Ronald Dies stated his narcotics detectives received information indicating that the suspects were selling cocaine and storing the drugs in a residence located on the property of Eunice Superette, near Eunice High School.
The detectives contacted Randal Moore at Eunice Superette and told him about the investigation and requested his assistance. Moore cooperated fully and the detectives then went to the location and spoke to Martinez and Zamarron.
While speaking to the suspects, the detectives discovered that both were resident aliens from Mexico and the suspects may have cocaine hidden in the residence, police said. The detectives obtained consent to search the residence from the suspects and also used K-9 Officer Pulo to check several vehicles on the Eunice Superette property.
During a search of the residence the detectives reportedly located approximately an ounce of cocaine, three ounces of marijuana, a Lortab pill, a digital scale containing cocaine and marijuana residue, a loaded 22 cal. revolver and excess of one-hundred rounds of 22 cal. ammunition, numerous plastic bags containing BC headache powder, used as a cutting agent, numerous empty plastic bags and approximately $56,700 in US currency, in drug sale denominations, according to police.
Police said the currency was hidden in several different locations and some of the currency was wrapped in numerous layers of red and clear plastic wrap and freezer tape. The detectives also located numerous records including payroll receipts and photographs indicating that both suspects, were acquainted and spent time in the apartment.
The detectives also located records of currency transfers from the suspects to a location in Mexico. The currency transfers ranged from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. The estimated street value on the drugs located was approximately $2,000, police said.
Police said the suspects were interviewed about the items located in the apartment.
According to police, both suspects stated that they knew about the cocaine, marijuana, paraphernalia, gun and the currency. Both suspects also admitted to selling Cocaine and Marijuana and that the currency was from the sale of the drugs. They further admitted to taping currency to their legs to transport it back to Mexico. The suspects further told the Detectives that they made approximately $400 a week working for Eunice Superette and the transfers were from paychecks to family in Mexico.
Police stated the detectives conducted presumptive field tests on the suspected cocaine and marijuana and the results of the tests indicated a positive response for the presence of cocaine and marijuana.
The apartment was also determined to be approximately 1,130 feet from Eunice High School, which is a Drug Free Zone.
Dies stated that the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and a follow-up investigation revealed that Martinez’s resident alien status had been expired for approximately five years. The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement then placed a hold on the suspects until the disposition of the case.
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