I-75 ARRESTS, SEIZURE ARE TIED TO A SUSPECTED DRUG NETWORK

Bradley County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) agents seized over $50,000 in
cash Wednesday along Interstate 75, allegedly used for illegal narcotics
trafficking. The continuing investigation has revealed what is believe to
be a deeper involvement in alleged criminal activities by the suspects.

According to DEU Agent David O'Boyle, his partner, Keith Fretwell observed
a vehicle speeding on Interstate 75 early Wednesday afternoon. Fretwell saw
the driver of the vehicle, Joell Sorilla, 21, of Houston, Texas make an
improper lane change. The agent then initiated a traffic stop on Sorilla's
vehicle.

Sorilla and his passenger, Vasquiz Salvador of Magnolia, Texas said they
were on a return trip to Texas from New York. Fretwell and O'Boyle asked
the travelers for consent to search the vehicle. When the agents opened the
trunk of the car, they discovered seven bundles of cash wrapped in clear
cellophane.

According to Fretwell, "The cash was lined up around the trunk area of the
vehicle," they questioned the men about the large amount of cash they were
carrying.

Initially, agents thought the suspects to be Dominican but later discovered
that they are part of a suspected Columbian Nationals Narco-Terrorism
organization which allegedly is tracked by federal law enforcement
authorities. The Columbian Nationals Narco-Terrorism organization utilizes
monies received from the sale of narcotics to fund terrorist activity,
authorities said.

Bradley County Sheriff's Office personnel has been trained to spot these
types of people and to be alert. The strategies are formed under the
Homeland Defense Department. Documents and other items of interest were
found inside the vehicle the suspects were traveling. El Paso Intelligence
Center, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs are tracking the
suspects' path of travel while inside the United States.

According to O'Boyle, the men allegedly admitted that the cash came from
the alleged sale of illegal narcotics. After the cash was counted and
documented, it totaled $51,585. Several traffic charges were filed in the case.

The seizure brings DEU's total seizures for the year to over $350,000.