Traffic Stop on I-75 Leads to Major Drug Bust in Houston County

A traffic stop on Interstate 75 led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 9:56 a.m., Deputy Poole of the Patrol Division stopped a 2024 Range Rover traveling southbound near mile marker 138 for following too closely.

The driver was identified as Claudia Mendez Saldana, 35, of Sanford, Florida, and the passenger was identified as Fernando Espinoza, 35, of Pueblo, Colorado.

During the stop, Deputy Poole obtained consent to search the vehicle. The search uncovered six large vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana, one small vacuum-sealed bag with 23 THC vape cartridges, approximately four pounds of THC wax, over two pounds of pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, and $1,100 in cash.

Both Saldana and Espinoza were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of THC wax with intent to distribute. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.