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A traffic stop by a Caddo Sheriff's K-9 deputy Friday night led to the discovery of 4.57 pounds of meth valued at $332,144, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Around 7 p.m., Cpl. Jessica Benevage stopped a pickup traveling westbound on the 3132 Inner Loop at Bert Kouns. After speaking with the driver, Inocenio Cortes-Mondragon of Desoto, Texas, Benevage noticed he was nervous and vague about his destination. Cortes-Mondragon consented to a search of his vehicle.  A records check indicated he had an active protective order against him with the passenger, his wife, being the subject of the order. Cortes-Mondragon was taken into custody for violation of a protective order.

Sheriff's K-9 Rocco sniffed the air surrounding Cortes-Mondragon's vehicle and indicated there was a presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. A thorough search of the cab of the truck was completed, along with bed of the truck, where several wooden boards were found. One particular board was approximately the size of a 4x4 and had wet caulk on it.  This board had been hollowed out and several ounces of meth were stuffed inside. Another board had been attached to conceal the narcotics.

Cortes-Mondragon was placed under arrest for manufacture/distribution of Schedule II, methamphetamine (meth), possession of schedule II over 400 grams, violation of a protective order, and failure to signal. He was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center. In total, 2,075.9 grams/4.57 pounds of meth was seized with a street value of $332,144. Also seized was $2,500 in cash.

Cortes-Mondragon's wife was released at the scene after being interviewed.

Assisting Benevage with the search and translation were Deputy Davis Romero and Cpl. Jay Rivera of the Sheriff's Patrol Division.