OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 143 lbs. of Ecstasy - Interstate 5 near Wilsonville

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/1 ... tasy.shtml

11/12/2008
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
Office: (503) 731-3020 ext. 247

Photograph links valid for 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police
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In what is believed to be the largest known ecstasy seizure during an Oregon traffic stop, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers seized approximately 143 pounds of ecstasy Saturday afternoon from a vehicle on Interstate 5 south of Wilsonville. One person was arrested and OSP Drug Enforcement Section detectives are continuing the investigation.

On November 8, 2008 at approximately 12:05 p.m., OSP troopers stopped a 1996 Ford Thunderbird displaying Washington license plates for a traffic violation. The lone occupant of the car was identified as PEDRO MOYA GONZALEZ, age 55, from California. Subsequent investigation during the stop with the assistance of a Washington County Sheriff's Office drug detection canine led to the discovery of an estimated 250,000 ecstasy tablets concealed in the car's interior worth approximately $2 million.

Ecstasy is the street name for the drug MDMA.

MOYA GONZALEZ was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

Other past notable ecstasy seizures by OSP during traffic stops:

On November 8, 2005 approximately 40 pounds of ecstasy was seized during a traffic stop southbound Interstate 5 south of Grants Pass.
On February 28, 2005 approximately 6.5 pounds of ecstasy was seized during a traffic stop southbound Interstate 5 south of Salem.
On January 31, 2007 approximately 2,000 ecstasy tablets and nearly $16,000 cash was seized during a traffic stop westbound Interstate 84 west of Pendleton.

Moya Gonzales is now in State of Oregon custody, held on multiple felony charges. Additionally, Moya Gonzales has been placed on an ICE hold on suspicion of immigration law violation.