GEARY COUNTY —A routine traffic stop on Interstate 70 ended with the discovery of a massive quantity of drugs and two arrests.
On June 1 and 2, a coordinated multi-jurisdictional criminal enforcement effort was conducted along the Interstate 70 corridor through Geary County. The operation was aimed at locating, identifying, and apprehending major criminals using Interstate 70 as a trafficking corridor, according to a media release from the Geary County Sheriff.
On the evening of June 2, Undersheriff Justin Stopper and Sheriff Nate Boeckman, conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle near the K-18 East Manhattan exit for traffic infractions.
During the stop indicators of further criminal activity were observed, prompting the deployment of a K9 unit from the Junction City Police Department.
A probable cause search of the CMV revealed approximately 3,280 pounds of marijuana and 260 pounds of cocaine concealed within the trailer. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $4 million.
Following the discovery, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was notified and responded to assist with the investigation. Two individuals were taken into custody as a result of the traffic stop, 33-year-old Yonas Tsegay and 31-year-old Samson Haliab both of California were taken into custody.
Both subjects are being held on $500,000 bonds each and the investigation is ongoing.
This operation brought together personnel from the Geary County Sheriff's Office, Junction City Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, and Marshall County Sheriff's Office.