A traffic stop in Dade County resulted in the seizure of more than 15 pounds of suspected illegal drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, and the arrest of a man from Guatemala.

According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Thursday, October 8, 2026, along Highway 136 East near the intersection of McKaig Loop.

During the stop, Dade County deputies, assisted by troopers from the Georgia State Patrol’s Interdiction Unit, discovered approximately 13.2 pounds of cocaine and 2.2 pounds of fentanyl concealed behind the vehicle’s dashboard.

The combined weight of the drugs was approximately 15.4 pounds.

Authorities arrested Martin Antonio Nolasco-Guzman, whose listed residence is El Tumbador, Guatemala.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that Nolasco-Guzman faces six counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of trafficking in fentanyl, a brake light violation and a charge of operating a vehicle with a false or secret compartment.

Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross praised the work of his deputies and the Georgia State Patrol, saying the seizure potentially prevented dangerous drugs from reaching communities throughout the region.

“There is no telling how many lives were potentially saved by getting this poison off our streets, and out of our communities,” Cross said.

The sheriff also emphasized that deputies routinely work long hours responding to calls, assisting residents, monitoring traffic and investigating criminal activity.

“Every ounce of illegal drugs that we seize, makes a difference,” Cross said.

The Sheriff’s Office did not provide additional details about the vehicle’s origin, intended destination or whether other suspects are being investigated.