Texas state troopers arrested two men after discovering 19 pounds of methamphetamine pills disguised as candy during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 Friday night.
The drugs were found hidden in five bags inside a 2022 Kia SUV near Jefferson County.
The traffic stop occurred at approximately 7:59 p.m. near the 843-mile marker on I-10 East, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A trooper pulled over the SUV and conducted a search that uncovered less than two ounces of marijuana along with the suspicious pills.
Investigators initially believed the colorful pills were ecstasy. Laboratory testing later confirmed the 19-pound cache was methamphetamine.
Authorities arrested driver Arthur Neville, 32, of Stafford, and passenger Broderick Simon, 35, of Rosharon. Both men face felony charges of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in penalty group one, and Simon was also charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Neville and Simon remain in Jefferson County Jail. DPS officials said the investigation continues with no additional details available.
Interstate 10 serves as a major corridor for smuggling operations between Mexico and eastern U.S. markets.
