Crown Point, IN – A Florida man was taken into custody Wednesday in Lake County, Indiana, after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of large quantities of narcotics and a warrant for sexual battery.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday when a deputy with the department’s Highway Interdiction Unit stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV for tailgating and failing to stay within its lane. The driver, identified as 39-year-old Yohan Ponce Riera of Ocala, Florida, was found to be wanted by the Miami-Dade County, Florida Sheriff’s Office for alleged sexual battery of a minor and child molestation.
During a vehicle search, officers discovered approximately 16 kilos of cocaine and 50 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a cooler and suitcase.
Federal charges are now pending through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, authorities said.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. praised the interdiction unit, stating, “I commend the outstanding work of our officers for the quick and decisive arrest of a dangerous suspect traveling through our area. These police officers also seized a significant amount of narcotics that will never threaten our communities now.”
The sheriff’s department emphasized its continued commitment to targeting individuals attempting to transport illegal drugs through the region.
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