Henderson County, TX – Authorities in Henderson County have arrested five suspects following a series of drug raids and vehicle searches conducted over two days this week. Deputies seized methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and cash, uncovering what they describe as an ongoing local drug distribution operation.
The Incident: Multiple Raids Lead to Drug Seizures
According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the first operation took place around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of North Smith Street in Malakoff, where narcotics investigators executed a search warrant. Inside the residence, deputies found suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, plastic baggies, digital scales, cash, and two firearms.
The suspect, identified as Ricardo Castaneda Cruz, was taken into custody. Officials said Cruz admitted to selling drugs and was booked into jail on two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.
Sheriff Botie Hillhouse stated that Tuesday night’s bust was part of an ongoing countywide effort to target mid-level drug dealers in smaller communities.
Investigation and Evidence: Two Raids in Malakoff
Just blocks away, investigators executed a second search warrant in the 300 block of Olive Street, leading to the arrests of Carlos Soto and Jenifer Hughes.
Authorities reported that one suspect attempted to throw drugs into the front yard as deputies entered. Officers later recovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, including baggies and scales.
Soto faces multiple charges, including manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $135,000. Hughes was charged with possession of a controlled substance and received a $15,000 bond.
Deputies said the two Malakoff raids were linked through ongoing surveillance of drug trafficking activity in the area.
Vehicle Stops and Additional Arrests
In addition to the raids, deputies made two drug-related traffic stops that led to more arrests.
During a stop on FM 3045 Tuesday, officers pulled over a speeding vehicle and discovered marijuana, a bag of acetaminophen and hydrocodone pills, and a bag of mushrooms. The driver, identified as Quincy Larry, was arrested on multiple controlled substance charges and received a $36,500 bond.
The following day, deputies made another traffic stop in the 7100 block of U.S. Highway 175. During the encounter, they found suspected methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Amanda Toombs was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, with a $25,000 bond.
Court Proceedings and Legal Actions
All five suspects — Cruz, Soto, Hughes, Larry, and Toombs — were booked into the Henderson County Jail, where they remain awaiting arraignment. Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence and pursue felony drug and weapons charges in upcoming hearings.
Deputies said the raids were part of a larger narcotics crackdown targeting dealers and traffickers operating out of residences in rural East Texas towns. Sheriff Hillhouse praised the coordination between his department’s Narcotics Division and local patrol deputies for their swift action.
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity related to drugs or illegal firearms. Officials emphasized that local cooperation plays a key role in dismantling small-scale networks before they grow into larger operations.
“This was another example of excellent police work and the community’s help in fighting the spread of dangerous drugs in our county,” Hillhouse said.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that additional arrests may follow as investigations into related drug activity continue.
Conclusion
The series of drug raids and traffic stops across Henderson County resulted in five arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, firearms, and cash. Authorities say the operations reflect an ongoing commitment to keeping illegal drugs off the streets and ensuring community safety.
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