Two Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to 42 Pounds of Meth Seizure in Fayette County

FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas — A traffic stop in Fayette County led to the seizure of more than 42 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and the arrest of two men, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Keith Korenek said the stop occurred around 11:52 a.m. on March 20, 2026, when a Drug Interdiction investigator conducted a traffic stop on a 2019 white Toyota Corolla traveling westbound on State Highway 71 near La Grange for multiple traffic violations.

During the stop, authorities observed indicators of criminal activity. The driver fled on foot but was quickly apprehended after a brief pursuit.

A subsequent consent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 42.5 pounds (19.25 kilograms) of suspected methamphetamine concealed in multiple bundles.

Jose Manuel Gomez Alvarez, 38, of Rockdale, was arrested and charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance and Evading Arrest and Detention. Luis Christian Hernandez Cruz, 24, of Elgin, was also arrested and charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Both men were transported to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.

The investigation involved assistance from the Fayette County Narcotics Unit, Deputy Herman Olvera, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.