State agents seize meth, cocaine

GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) - Separate traffic stops near Gallup Thursday netted cocaine and methamphetamine valued at more than $3.5 million, the state Department of Public Safety reported Friday.

About 10 a.m. the DPS Crime Enforcement Unit stopped a 2000 Kenworth and during a roadside inspection discovered the trailer contained more pallets than permitted, according to DPS statement. The extra pallet contained about 157 pounds of cocaine, according to DPS.

The truck and contraband were seized, and the driver, Jaime Nerisa, 40, and passenger, Jose Vasquez, 54, both of Philadelphia, were taken into custody.

A short while later a second stop led to the discovery of 19 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a 1996 Nissan pickup truck, DPS reported. Matias Balenegro, 40, was taken into custody.