Austin, TX – A routine traffic stop turned into a significant drug bust when authorities discovered more than 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a search of a vehicle. The incident occurred on October 10, just after 11 a.m., on U.S. 77, just north of Minerva.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Discovery
The Milam County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was alerted to the stop by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which requested assistance from MCSO’s K9 unit. According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Alex Infantino and K9 Lexus were dispatched to the scene to assist with the traffic stop, which involved 45-year-old Katrina Latulip, a woman with an extensive drug-related criminal history.
Latulip, who was traveling from Cameron to Rockdale, initially refused a search of her vehicle, a common step taken by officers during suspected drug-related incidents. Her refusal did not deter the officers, who continued their investigation using K9 Lexus, a trained police dog.
K9 Alert Leads to Discovery of Methamphetamine
K9 Lexus conducted a “free air sniff” around the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs. This gave law enforcement probable cause to perform a more thorough search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies uncovered more than 112 grams of what appeared to be methamphetamine.
The discovery was significant, and the substance was sent for further testing to confirm its exact composition. According to MCSO, the methamphetamine was found in the vehicle, which led to Latulip’s immediate arrest.
Charges and Arrest Details
Latulip was taken into custody and transported to the Milam County Jail, where she was booked on charges of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, with a weight range of 4-200 grams.
MCSO officials did not release any further details at the time of the arrest, and the investigation is ongoing. The discovery of such a large quantity of methamphetamine is significant, as it may point to further criminal activity or drug distribution.
K9 Unit Plays Key Role in Bust
The successful bust underscores the importance of K9 units in assisting law enforcement with drug-related investigations. K9 Lexus’s alert played a crucial role in giving officers the legal grounds needed to search Latulip’s vehicle and ultimately uncover the large stash of suspected drugs.
Impact of Methamphetamine on Communities
Methamphetamine use and trafficking continue to be major concerns for law enforcement agencies across the U.S., particularly in regions like Texas. The discovery of over 100 grams of methamphetamine is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drug activity and the persistence of law enforcement to target and dismantle drug operations in local communities.
Further Investigations and Legal Consequences
Latulip’s extensive criminal history indicates that she may have been involved in drug trafficking or related offenses for some time. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether she was acting alone or if other individuals were involved in the illegal drug distribution network. The charges she faces carry serious consequences, including significant prison time if convicted.
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by local and state law enforcement to combat the growing problem of methamphetamine abuse and distribution in Texas.
Call to Action
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