Local News
Strause, Ray commended for bust netting 30 kilos of cocaine
The expertise and professionalism of some local officers was recently recognized by the Houston Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration for their efforts in a drug bust which netted more than 30 kilograms of cocaine.
As a result they were given plaques to commend them for performing their duties in an exemplary manner. The efforts displayed by each of those involved is readily apparent and was continuously demonstrated when assisting the DEA.
“I am very honored to receive the award,” Strause said. “We were able to be very successful in what we did due to the knowlege of the office of the Special Services Division.”
Constable Rob Strause and Sgt. Tom Ray along with other members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office worked together to assist the DEA in a large cocaine bust in February 2008.
Strause and Ray were working drug interdiction on Interstate 10 in Vidor when they spotted the blue Ford F-150 and conducted a traffic stop.
Strause said he activated his emergency lights and pulled the vehicle over just east of the FM 1442 overpass.
Strause asked the driver to step out of his vehicle to talk with him. The officer noted the man was very nervous while speaking to him about the reason for his trip. Strause said he then went to the passenger for questioning and said the passenger also appeared to be very nervous.
According to Strause, the passenger gave a conflicting story about the nature of the men’s trip. The passenger also appeared to be fishing for things to do with his hands while talking to the officers, Strause said.
Ray noticed a piece of metal that appeared to have been placed under the right rear quarter panel, giving him the impression that the vehicle had a false compartment. Upon closer inspection, the officer located a wiring harness that was not part of the original wiring of the pickup truck.
The vehicle was taken into custody and relocated to the sheriff’s office, where the drug dog alerted officers attention to an area near the rear tail lights. The officers uncovered two electronic compartments concealed behind the tail lights.
Inside the compartments was more than 30 kilograms of a white powdery substance, which tested positive as cocaine, Strause said.
The estimated street value of the drugs was about $1.8 million, according to Strause.
The arrest of the suspects led to more arrests as well. The officers worked side-by-side in other cases with the DEA to get additional drugs and criminals off the streets. Members of the DEA thanked the officers for participating as valued members of the DEA family and noted they were a tremendous asset.
“Without their quick response to assist the DEA, this investigation would not be where it is today,” according to officials with the DEA.
Constable Strause provided endless assistance throughout the entirety of the investigation, according to DEA officials.
For Strause, Ray, and the other officers involved they continue to do what they can to fight the war on drugs.
Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.
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