Homepage / Portland News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

51 Pounds Of Cocaine Seized In Traffic Stop

Drugs Worth $700,000, Police Say

POSTED: 1:42 pm PST February 27, 2009
UPDATED: 1:52 pm PST February 27, 2009

Oregon State Police seized about 51 pounds of cocaine and arrested three men during a traffic stop on Interstate 5.

An OSP trooper stopped a silver Mazda rental car after the driver swerved out of his lane at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, police said. The trooper said he suspected the driver of being under the influence.

A K-9 unit helped in the stop and discovered about $700,000 worth of cocaine -- 51 pounds, police said.

Three men were in the car: Joel Lucian Ruelas-Castro, 31, from Mexico; Manuel Alberto Castro Lugo, 38, from Mexico; and Rigo Humberto Lamas-Ponce, 29, from southeast Portland. Police said Lamas-Ponce also goes by the name Ivan Santiago-Mendes.

All three men have INS holds and were arrested on charges of unlawful possession, distribution and manufacturing of a controlled substance.

Last week, two men were arrested on Interstate 5 south of Canyonville with about 31 pounds of cocaine hidden in their vehicle, police said. The two seizures were unrelated.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Do you want the look of a quality paint job without the hassle of having to redo it over and over? Spray on siding could be the answer. More

The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More

Headache pain could be more than you think. Learn how to tell the difference between a migraine and a ministroke. More

Sponsored Links

Shop Your Insurance

SAVE up to 30% on Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you. Start saving now!

Insurance Type:


Zip Code: