TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — The Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) said its Vice Unit made its largest meth seizure in more than 20 years this past fall.
According to the TCSO, in August 2023, the Vice Unit began an investigation into the alleged large-scale drug trafficking activities of a man named Juan Jose Cardenas-Flores. During the investigation, the unit also linked Cardenas-Flores to a reported robbery under investigation by the Austin Police Department (APD).
Vice Unit investigators, in collaboration with APD robbery detectives and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, developed information that resulted in a state robbery warrant issued for Cardenas-Flores, as well as a search warrant.
Authorities executed the search warrant on Oct. 5. The TCSO said the surveillance and arrest of Cardenas-Flores led to the seizure of approximately 15.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and various guns.
Cardenas-Flores was indicted on Dec. 19 for possession with the intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance. The TCSO said he has been released into federal custody.
According to the TCSO, lab results indicated the methamphetamine seized had 87% purity, and field tests indicated the presence of fentanyl.