Major Drug Bust in Cleveland: Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Seizes Narcotics and Firearm

Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit made a significant bust on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, when they initiated a routine traffic stop on a Dodge Charger travelling north on US-59 in the Cleveland, Texas area.

The vehicle, sporting Louisiana registration, drew suspicion, leading deputies to identify the driver as Santana D. Powell and the passenger as Shmoyia A. Adams, both from Shreveport, LA. During the stop, deputies uncovered probable cause to conduct a search.

Their search uncovered a Glock 27, .40 caliber handgun with an extended 22-round magazine cleverly hidden beneath the passenger side carpet. But that wasn’t all – a further inspection of the trunk revealed a concealed stash behind the speakers. Inside were two large plastic bags containing approximately 6 lbs. 12 ounces of suspected “Ecstasy” tablets and a package containing 4 ounces of suspected “Cocaine”.

Powell and Adams were promptly arrested and charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance – PG:2 – First Degree Felony, Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance – PG 1 – First Degree Felony. Powell faced an additional charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon – Third Degree Felony, due to his prior felony conviction.

Given Powell’s ownership of the vehicle and the significant amount of narcotics discovered, authorities will be filing seizure paperwork for the Dodge Charger.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the community.