Texas man arrested in Jackson, 73 pounds of fentanyl seized

JACKSON, Tenn. — A Texas man is behind bars in the Hub City after a traffic stop led to a large discovery.

According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, around 11:34 p.m. on Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy made a traffic stop near the intersection of North Highland Avenue and Carriage House Drive.

A press release states the deputy stopped a silver Hyundai Santa Fe with Texas registration for traffic violations.

The Sheriff’s Office says the stop led to the discovery of 73 pounds of fentanyl pills, equating to over 300,000 pills, with a street value “in the millions of dollars.”

The release states 46-year-old Jose Luis Vargas Barrera, of Houston, Texas, was taken into custody.

He is facing charges of improper lane usage, due care, and possession of schedule II with intent.

“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our residents,” Sheriff Julian Wiser stated in a press release. “I am proud of the work our deputies are doing daily to achieve this goal.”

Records available online indicate Vargas-Barrera remains in custody at the Madison County jail.

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