Earlier this week, a Union County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Marshville area that led to the seizure of approximately 15 kilograms of suspected cocaine and the arrest of two narcotics traffickers.

The incident began when the deputy initiated a proactive stop on a car occupied by Estefani Sandoval and Gilberto Juarez, both of Monroe, for a minor equipment violation. During the stop, UCSO K-9 Zander conducted an open-air sniff of the car and alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed the large quantity of cocaine hidden inside the car. Deputies and detectives also discovered four small children in the car that were ultimately released to a responsible guardian who was called to the scene.

UCSO Narcotics Detectives responded and arrested Sandoval and Juarez. Both face multiple charges, including Felony Trafficking in Cocaine. Following their arrest, they were transported to the Union County Detention Center for processing and appeared before local judicial officials. Sandoval received a secured bond of $2,000,000 and remains in custody. Juarez received a secured bond of $200,000 and has been released after posting bond.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey commended the proactive work of the deputies and detectives involved, noting that what began as a stop for a minor violation resulted in the removal of two dangerous traffickers from our streets and the seizure of a significant quantity of deadly narcotics intended for distribution in our communities. This investigation remains ongoing.