Texas State Police Bust 2,000 Lbs of Meth Hidden in Semi Trailer

Key Details Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $3.4 million during a routine traffic stop on March 4, 2026. A blue 2020 Kenworth semi was pulled over on US 281 near George West in Live Oak County for a traffic violation. Officers discovered 479 black tape-wrapped bundles of meth concealed in a false floor compartment beneath the trailer. The Arrest Driver Diego Mendez, 32, of Alton, Texas, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams. Mendez was booked into Live Oak County Jail. Authorities determined the drug shipment was headed to Dallas. Why It Matters This bust highlights how routine traffic stops can uncover major drug trafficking operations. A police canine alert led officers to discover the hidden compartment, demonstrating the effectiveness of K-9 units in interdiction work. The Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division continues investigating the case. For professional drivers, this serves as a reminder that vehicle inspections and maintaining compliance with traffic laws remain critical to avoiding legal complications.