Troopers Find Over 60 LBs of Cocaine and Marijuana in Traffic Stops

November 26, 2024 (North Platte, Neb.) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested four people this weekend after finding more over 30 pounds of cocaine and nearly 30 pounds of marijuana in separate traffic stops.

Saturday at approximately 8:45 a.m. CT, a trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2023 Acura MDX for improper passing. During the stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 33 pounds of cocaine in a hidden compartment.

The driver, Raquel Rocha, 34, and the passenger, Jonathan Cardenas, 45, both of New Jersey, were arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, and child abuse without injury. Both were taken to the Hamilton County Jail. The child in the vehicle was placed in protective care.

At approximately 11:04 p.m. MT Saturday, a trooper preformed a traffic stop on a Jeep Compass for a speeding violation. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed 29 pounds of marijuana located in a large black duffle bag. The driver, Anthony Lewis, 27, of Lincoln, and the passenger, Demitrius De Shun, 31, of Lincoln, was arrested for was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana (more than one pound). Both individuals were lodged in Keith County Jail.