A routine charter bus that traveled between Emporia and Mexico caught the attention of law enforcement officials due to its unusual behavior.
Despite frequent border crossings, the bus was often found with few to no passengers, raising suspicions among authorities.
Investigation Unveils Suspicious Activity
In March and April, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) observed the bus crossing the border multiple times.
Using license plate recognition technology, they tracked the bus as it regularly entered the Emporia area. The lack of passengers and the bus’s frequent crossings drew the attention of border officials.
During one of these border crossings, CBP officers conducted an inspection of the vehicle.
Upon further examination, they discovered that bolts around the fuel tank had been tampered with, deepening their suspicions. The officers learned that the bus was headed for a rural location near Emporia.
Canine Alert and Discovery of Methamphetamine
On a subsequent border crossing, a canine unit alerted to the presence of controlled substances on the bus.
CBP officers took a sample from the fuel tank, which tested positive for liquid methamphetamine. Despite this discovery, the driver was allowed to continue.
Follow-Up Investigation and Arrests
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents followed the bus to its destination: a rural property near Emporia. The Emporia Police Department arrested six individuals who were linked to the operation.
These individuals were charged with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The suspects included:
| Name | Age | Location | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omar Villa Carranza | 45 | Emporia, KS (illegal resident) | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
| Tiburcio Ayala Rangel | 42 | Emporia, KS (illegal resident) | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
| Troy Wagaman | 42 | Emporia, KS | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
| Jesus Cruz Rodriguez | 28 | Emporia, KS | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
| Moises Cervantes Sanchez | 67 | McAllen, TX | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
| Elizabeth Benitez | 33 | Emporia, KS | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine |
The investigation into the suspicious charter bus has led to significant arrests and drug-related charges in Emporia.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and advanced technology, such as license plate readers and canine units, in preventing drug trafficking and protecting communities.