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Press Releases>
Hundreds of pounds of drugs discovered by Webster deputies
-Potentially hazardous substance used in packaging sent for lab testing
Sep 24, 2009 --
 
Left to Right: Senen Dominguez; Humberto Mata
An estimated 400 pounds of suspected marijuana was discovered by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies during a routine traffic stop conducted last night by the Sheriff’s Community Action Directive (CAD) Patrol team. While searching through the heavily packed bundles of drugs, two officers were exposed to an unidentified white powder that was hidden inside the packages and were taken to a local hospital as a precautionary treatment to their minor symptoms.
CAD Patrol team member Deputy Bobby Igo, III, along with assistance from fellow team member Deputy Wade Wells, were working an area of Interstate 20 in Webster Parish when they noticed a moving van weaving repeatedly during travel. Following the initial traffic stop, the two male passengers provided the officers with conflicting stories which led to suspicion of their intentions.
“What they told us didn’t match,” said Igo. “Of course that immediately made us aware that something wasn’t right with the situation.”
The CAD Patrol team is well-equipped with another team member of a different specialty. The team’s Canine Deputy, “Chesapeake-Cindy”, whose namesake is derived from the Sheriff’s community partner and the dog’s sponsor, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, is nationally certified in the detection of several forms of narcotic substances. “Chesapeake-Cindy’s” handler and CAD Patrol Team Leader Lt. Robert Hayden, who proudly boasts of Cindy’s 100% accuracy rate, was called in for assistance in the traffic stop.
“Once I walked Chesapeake-Cindy around the van she made a firm indication, as trained, at the back of the van,” explained Hayden. “That indication is all we need to secure an air-tight probable cause to search for as long as we need to thoroughly complete that search.”
Once inside the vehicle, deputies quickly found the large supply of boxed and bundled material they suspect is marijuana. Nearly twenty-five bundles found were masked in grease, wrapped thoroughly in plastics and were coated in a white powdery substance that instantly caused officers problems.
According to Webster Parish Sheriff Gary Sexton, two deputies who came in close contact with the unidentified substance were later taken to Minden Medical Center for precautionary treatment of their minor symptoms which included redness of the eyes, coughing and itchy skin. Both deputies have made a full recovery.
“This method of using a powder like this has been seen a couple of times very recently in other areas of the state,” said Sexton. “In cases elsewhere powdered insecticide was used. We suspect that could be the situation here, too.”
The unidentified substance has been sent for lab testing; and until it is confirmed safe for handling, the confiscated bundles have been repacked in their original containers and transported to a secure, isolated and guarded facility.
“I’m very pleased that our deputies are well-trained and that our office is well-equipped to recognize indicators someone may provide that lead to busts like this,” said Sexton. “It’s not always obvious during a routine stop that there may be a lot more to the story. It takes well-practiced skills to hone in on those markers. In this case when the deputies compared information provided to them by the passengers they knew it didn’t add up. They nailed this one.”
Humberto Mata, 29, of Houston, Texas and Senen Dominguez, 25, of Tomball, Texas were taken into custody by CAD Patrol team officers. Humberto faces charges on felony possession of a CDS Schedule I with intent to distribute, criminal conspiracy, improper lane usage and drivers license not on person. Senen was charged with felony possession of a CDS Schedule I narcotic with intent to distribute and criminal conspiracy. They were transported and booked into the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. A bond is expected to be set sometime today.
Webster Parish Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Gary S. Sexton
410 Main Street
P.O. Box 877
Minden, LA 71058
318-377-1515
admin@webstersheriff.org
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