20 Kilograms of Meth Hidden in Rope Spools Seized During I-10 Traffic Stop

AUSTIN COUNTY, Texas — A traffic stop along Interstate 10 led to the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside modified rope spools, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Keith Korenek said that on March 1, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., Sgt. Thumann and Investigator Smith stopped a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-10 near the 716-mile marker in Austin County.

During the stop, deputies observed indicators of possible criminal activity. Consent to search the vehicle was obtained, and K9 “Kolt” was deployed to conduct an exterior sweep. The dog alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics.

A search of the vehicle uncovered two suspicious rope spools in the bed of the truck. Deputies determined the spools had been altered to conceal 42 bags of methamphetamine, totaling approximately 20 kilograms.

The driver, identified as Mario Aranda Gomez, 57, of Houston, was arrested and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine. He was transported to the Austin County Jail without incident.

Members of the Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the circumstances and the vehicle’s route along the I-10 corridor, investigators believe the methamphetamine may have originated in Mexico and was headed to the Houston area for distribution.

Officials described the seizure as a significant disruption to narcotics trafficking activity along major Texas highways.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is a member of the Westside Narcotics Task Force, which includes agencies from Austin, Waller, Colorado, Lavaca, and surrounding counties, along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.