Drug investigation leads to arrests

400 animals seized from suspect’s residence
On Nov. 14, 2006, the Chisholm Trail Special Crimes Unit of the Caldwell County Sheriff”s Office, US Drug Enforcement Agency, US Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Combined Sheriffs Auto Theft Task Force and other surrounding law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant on Plant Road

, near Luling.
The federal search warrant was a result of a two-year investigation of an international narcotics trafficking organization conducted by state and federal narcotics agencies. DPS troopers stopped and arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with the investigation and transported him to Travis County on an outstanding warrant for narcotics trafficking. Officers from multiple federal, state, and local agencies executed search warrants at four different addresses within the surrounding counties for additional evidence of narcotics trafficking. Several suspects were arrested and a number of weapons and other evidence were seized.
During the search of the Plant Road residence, officers found over 400 roosters and hens surrounding the residence. Further investigation revealed evidence of cockfighting on the premises. Another search warrant was obtained to seize any evidence pertaining to illegal cockfighting. It was determined that all animals on the property should be seized from the property. Houston SPCA was contacted by the Sheriff”s Office and took possession of about four hundred roosters and hens, dogs, exotic birds, and primates for safekeeping.
“The Caldwell County Sheriff”s Office has heard about possible cockfighting on this property for the past few years, but this is the first time we had probable cause to enter the property and obtain the evidence,” stated Sheriff Daniel Law.
(Courtesy of Sgt. Paul Cowan)