Multiple arrests made in relation to seizure of large amounts of cocaine in Harrison County

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley has announced multiple arrests related to the seizure of large amounts of cocaine.

Hector Rodriguez-Valdez, Bryan Rodriguez-Valdez, and Raul Quijas-Aguero of Mexico were arrested on federal drug trafficking charges.

On August 14, a Harrison County sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet van for a traffic violation on I-10 in Gulfport.

The deputy contacted the driver, identified as Hector Rodriguez-Valdez, and developed suspicions of possible drug trafficking.

A canine responded to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed 118 pounds of cocaine.

Hector Rodriguez-Valdez, and two passengers, Bryan Rodriguez-Valdez and Raul Quijas-Aguero were arrested and charged with federal drug trafficking charges.

All suspects were transported and booked into the Harrison County Jail without bond pending federal judicial proceeds.

United States Border Patrol also placed federal immigration holds on the suspects.

On an unrelated incident on August 15, Harrison County’s criminal interdiction patrol made a separate traffic stop on I-10 in Gulfport. Deputies made contact with Christopher Gill of Florida. A search of his luggage revealed 4.4 pounds of cocaine.

Gill was also arrested on trafficking charges.