-
Francisco Saldana, 45, of Cypress -
Michael Tran, 29, of Beaumont -
JSCO seized marijuana from the duo -
More than $50,000 in cash was found -
JSCO found an assortment of pills in the duo's possession
Around 5 p.m. Oct. 15, the Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force was conducting surveillance on suspicious vehicles on Major drive near Willow Bend when they noticed erratic driving from two vehicles that appeared to be traveling together. A black Lexus car and a white Ford van both exited the roadway, cut across private property to avoid an intersection and then got back onto the roadway.
The two vehicles were stopped by Narcotics Task Force deputies and a K-9 unit. The white van was driven by 45-year-old Francisco Saldana of Cypress. There was a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the van and upon searching the van, three large suitcases and a box were discovered containing hydroponic marijuana. Saldana was arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility and booked in for possession of marijuana.
The black Lexus, driven by 29-year-old Michael Tran of Beaumont, also had a strong odor of marijuana. Upon searching the vehicle, a hidden compartment was discovered that had been fabricated in the vehicle. Once the compartment was opened it was found to contain 6.4 lbs of hydroponic marijuana and three large plastic packages containing 3,000 pills. Some of the pills are suspected to contain Fentanyl and some to have methamphetamine. They will be tested by the Jefferson County Crime Lab.
Tran was found to have $1,522.00 cash in his pocket and had $48,800.00 in a back pack concealed in the hidden compartment of the vehicle. Tran was also arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility and booked in for possession of marijuana. The investigation is on going and additional charges are anticipated.