Oregon Troopers Make Second Large Suspected Cocaine Bust in Less than a Week

The traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 51 lbs. of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of about $700,000.

Counterclockwise from top left; Maneul Alberto Castro Lugo, Rigo Humberto Lamas-Ponce and Joel Lucian Ruelas-Castro. Photograph Source: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(WOODBURN, Ore.) - In less than one week, Oregon State Police troopers have made a significant seizure of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop.

The latest traffic stop Thursday afternoon on Interstate 5 north of Woodburn led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of approximately 51 lbs. of suspected cocaine.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with OSP says Thursday at approximately 4:00 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a rented silver Mazda passenger car northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 275 for failing to maintain a lane of travel and suspicion of DUII.

The car was occupied by three men identified as driver, 31-year old Joel Lucian Ruelas-Castro of Mexico; passenger 38-year old Maneul Alberto Castro Lugo of Mexico; and, 29-year old Rigo Humberto Lamas-Ponce (aka: Ivan Santiago-Mendes), from southeast Portland.

Hastings says a subsequent investigation during the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 51 lbs. of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of about $700,000.

An OSP drug detection canine assisted during the stop. All three men were taken into custody by OSP troopers and lodged in Marion County Jail.

Joel Lucian Ruelas-Castro is charged with Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Cocaine.

Maneul Alberto Castro Lugo faces charges of Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Cocaine.

Rigo Humberto Lamas-Ponce is charged with Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Cocaine, he was arrested over a Warrant (Multnomah County) – Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine and a Warrant (Multnomah County) – Driving While Suspended.

Marion County Jail records indicate all three men have INS holds. The investigation is being continued by detectives assigned to the OSP Drug Enforcement Section.

Hastings says this arrest was unrelated to last Friday's traffic stop and subsequent arrest of two individuals on Interstate 5 about two miles south of Canyonville after discovering approximately 31 lbs. of cocaine concealed in their vehicle. (see: Salem-News.com: OSP Traffic Stop Leads to 31 Pounds of Cocaine)

Other previous significant cocaine seizures mentioned recently by OSP troopers during traffic stops include:

* January 19, 2008 - 31 kilos (approximately 66 lbs.) on Interstate 5 near milepost 253 with an estimated value of $900,000.

* August 20, 2008 – 30 kilos (approximately 65 lbs.) on Interstate 5 near milepost 140 with an estimated value of $900,000.

* March 4, 2008 – 20 kilos (approximately 44 lbs.) on Interstate 5 near milepost 268 with an estimated value of $600,000.

* October 19, 2007 – 21 kilos (approximately 45 lbs.) and two pounds of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated total value of $600,000.

* July 10, 2008 – 5 lbs. of cocaine on Interstate 5 near milepost 10 with an estimated value of $65,000.