TEXAS — A traffic stop in Zavala County led to the arrest of a man on human smuggling and drug charges after deputies discovered two undocumented passengers and methamphetamine inside a vehicle, according to authorities.
The Zavala County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Rodriguez stopped a black Nissan Altima on Monday in the parking lot of Amigo’s in Batesville. Deputies said the vehicle had expired temporary Texas plates and was initially stopped for a following distance violation and expired registration.
During the stop, deputies asked the driver, identified as Mateo Aceves, to lower the rear windows because of dark tint, revealing two passengers seated in the back of the vehicle.
Investigators said Aceves referred to the passengers as “friends” but was unable to provide their names. Authorities later determined both passengers were in the United States illegally without proper documentation.
Deputies also searched a red bag in the trunk and reportedly found nearly 1.9 grams of methamphetamine.
Aceves was arrested and booked into the Zavala County Jail. He faces charges including smuggling of persons and possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.
