DPS seizes $65,000 in stop
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

A state trooper stopped an SUV for speeding near Louise Wednesday, but ended up finding and seizing more than $65,000 in suspected drug money.

According to Sgt. Danny Terronez of the Texas Department of Public Safety office in Pierce, Trooper Stephen Pierce pulled over a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban with Georgia license plates around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday while the SUV was headed south on U.S. 59 near Louise.

Inside were the driver, Miguel Angel Blanco, 25, of San Juan and passenger Jesus Guillermo Sanchez, 18, of Weslaco.

"Both occupants showed signs of nervousness," Terronez said. "The occupants gave conflicting stories regarding their trip."

Suspicion aroused, Trooper Pierce asked the men if he could search the vehicle, and they agreed.