Rapides Parish, LA (2/15/2024) – On February 14th, 2024, a routine traffic stop on Interstate 49 near the Woodworth Exit led to the arrest of Hector Gomez, 21, of Atlanta, GA, for drug-related offenses.
K-9 Deputies assigned to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Highway Interdiction Team conducted the stop, initially for a traffic offense.
Upon contact with Gomez, a slight language barrier was encountered, prompting deputies to utilize a narcotic detection canine for a free air sniff around the vehicle. The canine’s positive alert led to a subsequent search, revealing a kilo (2.2 pounds) of black tar heroin, a digital scale, and a plastic baggie containing powder cocaine concealed in the vehicle.
Gomez was taken into custody without incident and charged with distribution of CDS I (Heroin), possession of CDS II (Cocaine), possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Driving on the Left.
Further investigation revealed that Gomez was in the United States illegally from San Salvador, El Salvador. RADE Agents and Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agents were notified of the arrest.
As of the time of this release, Gomez remains incarcerated at the Rapides Parish Detention Center, held on a $3,100.00 bond. The estimated value of the seized heroin is $70,000.00.
The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit, consisting of multiple law enforcement agencies, remains vigilant in targeting individuals involved in narcotics trafficking in Central Louisiana. Citizens with information or concerns regarding narcotics activity are encouraged to reach out to the RADE Unit via direct messages on their Facebook page.
