Thread: Deputies seize drugs on I-85

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Deputies seize drugs on I-85
2/9/2006 11:39:02 PM
By: Shawn Flynn, News 14 Carolina
SHELBY, N.C. -- Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies say they found a record-breaking amount of methamphetamine when they made a traffic stop Thursday on Interstate 85.

Jose Miguel Diaz Valerio, a 21-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, had six pounds of powered meth hidden in the roof of his vehicle, according to deputies. The drugs have a street value of $60,000-$100,000.

“That’s the largest seizure of methamphetamine in Cleveland County to date,â€

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Officials: Illegals target N.C. license
2/10/2006 7:00 PM
By: Adam Shub, News 14 Carolina

SHELBY, N.C. -- When law enforcement officials made the largest methamphetamine bust in Cleveland County history, they found out that their suspect, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, had a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Jose Miguel Diaz Valerio, 21, faces several charges, including drug trafficking and drug possession. Sheriff’s deputies said they found six pounds of powered meth hidden in the roof of his vehicle Thursday.

But if he is in the country illegally, how could he get a driver’s license? Jeff Jordan, the state’s head of immigration enforcement, said it’s no secret that North Carolina has fewer requirements than other states. He said it’s easy to fake the essential documents that are required by the Division of Motor Vehicles: proof of residency, proof of liability insurance, two forms of identification and a Social Security number or taxpayer ID.

Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies said they found six pounds of powered methamphetamine hidden in the roof of a suspect's vehicle Thursday.

"We often apprehend folks coming down in van loads, folks who are coming from other states for the sole purpose of obtaining a North Carolina driver's license using counterfeit documents,â€