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NEW ALBANY – Two Lexington, Indiana men were charged in the Southern District of Indiana on charges related to their alleged possession of more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Pablo Vazquez-Salazar, 47, of Lexington, and Betza Campos-Vazquez, 32, of Lexington, were being investigated by federal agents on suspicion of illegal drug trafficking.
On August 25, 2021, the Indiana State Police observed the vehicle Vasquez-Salazar and Campos-Vazquez occupied speeding on I-65. A state police K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Officers discovered a white powdery substance inside the vehicle which was suspected to be cocaine. A search warrant was later executed at the residence Vasquez-Salazar and Campos-Vazquez reside. During the search, a large amount of suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana, a rifle, and other material commonly used in the distribution of illegal substances was found. In total, over 10 kilograms of cocaine was seized from the two men.
Vasquez-Salazar and Campos-Vazquez have been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. If convicted, they face up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine and at least 5 years supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Indiana State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.