By Allison Peck
The Nebraska State Patrol is calling one drug seizure the largest in agency history after troopers discovered nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana, THC products and psilocybin products during a traffic stop in Dawson County.
The seizure was one of two major criminal interdiction cases in Dawson County this month. In a separate investigation, troopers recovered a semi-trailer containing stolen electronics and other merchandise.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and Attorney General Mike Hilgers praised the State Patrol’s work during a news conference Monday.
The first incident happened September 4, around 8 a.m., when a trooper stopped a semi near mile marker 228 on Interstate 80.
During a commercial vehicle inspection, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana. A search of the vehicle uncovered 27 pallets of boxes containing approximately:
- 5,200 pounds of marijuana.
- 13,600 pounds of THC products.
- 1,000 pounds of psilocybin products.
The total street value of the drugs is estimated at more than $50 million.
William Gomez, 44, of Virginia, was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver. He was lodged in the Dawson County Jail.
The second case began September 9, when the State Patrol received information that a semi in Nebraska may be carrying professional speaker equipment reported stolen. The equipment was valued at approximately $250,000.
Around 5:30 p.m., a trooper located the semi parked at a truck stop near Gothenburg. The trooper contacted the driver and discovered the commercial delivery paperwork was false.
The driver was placed out of service and was not allowed to continue driving. Troopers later obtained a search warrant for the trailer.
Investigators found that approximately half of the trailer contained miscellaneous items intended for Walmart facilities in Florida. The other half contained high-end commercial speakers destined for Las Vegas.
Further investigation revealed the items had been stolen from Illinois and New York. The total value of the stolen merchandise is still being determined, but the speakers alone are estimated at $250,000.
The driver, identified as Ashwani Kumar through his New Jersey non-domicile commercial driver's license, left the scene after being placed out of service. An arrest warrant has been issued.
Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Colonel Bryan Waugh said the cases demonstrate the importance of troopers looking beyond the initial traffic stop for signs of criminal activity.
“These two investigations are excellent examples of troopers looking beyond the initial traffic stop for indicators of criminal activity,” Waugh said. “The troopers involved in these investigations have not only uncovered crimes, but they’ve prevented further criminal activity that would have occurred if these two semis reached their intended destinations.”
Governor Pillen said the seizures demonstrate the training and investigative work of State Patrol troopers.
“Both of these seizures happened because our troopers are highly trained and are ready to investigate when it appears criminal activity is underway,” Pillen said.
Lieutenant Governor Kelly said the drug trade continues to evolve and requires law enforcement to stay ahead of changing tactics.
Attorney General Hilgers also praised the State Patrol, calling it an incredible organization and saying Nebraska is proud to support its work.
Both investigations remain ongoing.