10 Million Dollar Seizure of Heroin made by Wyoming Highway Patrol
by Wyoming Highway Patrol
September 5, 2008
(Elk Mountain, Wyoming) – The largest seizure of heroin in recent history, possibly ever by the Wyoming Highway Patrol was made on Interstate 80 on Friday, August 26th. Approximately 11.3 pounds of heroin in powder form, known as "China White" because of its pure white color, was seized during a traffic stop 2 miles east of Elk Mountain in the early afternoon.
The eastbound 2005 Nissan Altima was stopped by a Trooper for speeding 85 mph in a 75 mph zone. During the traffic contact, the Trooper’s K-9 alerted to the presence of the odor of illegal drugs.
Troopers searched the vehicle and found a secret hidden compartment between the back seat and the trunk area of the vehicle. The compartment was designed to be opened electronically via a hidden switch.
The driver of the Altima, 32 year-old Sergei P. Ludwig has been arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Ludwig is from Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Street value of the illegal drug is dependent upon the amount that the heroin is diluted and the production method. White heroin is generally considered the most refined and most potent. Due to the purity of this particular load of "China White" heroin it is estimated that the street value, at a minimum, is approximately $10,000,000.00 and could be worth substantially more.
As is standard practice in drug cases of this magnitude, the Wyoming Highway Patrol requested assistance from Special Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Special Agents from DCI’s Southwest Enforcement Team continue to investigate this drug trafficking case. It is believed that the load originated in the State of California and was destined for an unknown location in the State New Jersey.
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