LAS VEGAS – A joint task force of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and law enforcement officers from several agencies arrested a California man in Las Vegas on Wednesday after seizing 50 pounds of methamphetamine.

Acting on information about a drug trafficking courier in the area, investigators located Manuel Efrain Manzanares of Salinas, California, parked in a local business parking lot. Manzanares was taken into custody without incident, according to DEA agents.

Upon searching the suspect’s vehicle, agents found a handgun, cocaine, and information about a hotel room that was suspected to have additional drugs. In the hotel room, agents found the 50 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in two duffle bags.

Manzanares has been charged with drug trafficking over 400 grams, possession of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to violate the uniformed controlled substance act.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between DEA agents and task force officers from the FBI Las Vegas, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV State Police Investigations Division, NV Highway Patrol, NV Gaming Control Board, and hotel security.

This arrest is a significant blow to drug trafficking in the Las Vegas area and a reminder of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade.

Credits: 8 News Now

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