Houston Man Arrested in Liberty County Traffic Stop with Drugs Hidden in Vehicle
On March 6, 2025, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit deputies conducted a traffic stop on a blue GMC Envoy at the intersection of SH105 and the US-59 Feeder in Cleveland, Texas.
The vehicle’s driver, identified as Ismael Villegas-Ruiz of Houston, Texas, was detained after deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana. A probable cause search revealed approximately one pound of marijuana concealed inside the center console. Further investigation uncovered approximately one kilogram of suspected crystal methamphetamine hidden in the rear deck area and .14 grams of suspected cocaine inside a separate plastic bag.
Villegas-Ruiz was arrested and charged with:
- Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG1 >400g (First-degree felony – methamphetamine)
- Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG1 4g<200g (First-degree felony – cocaine)
- Delivery of Marijuana 4oz<5lbs (State jail felony)
The investigation is ongoing.
