Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Major Marijuana Bust in Mineral County

On February 17, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., Mineral County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a routine traffic stop on a white Chrysler Pacifica approximately 10 miles south of Hawthorne on US Highway 95.  According to Mineral County officials, officers became suspicious of the driver during the stop. K9 Rex was requested. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Rex showed a positive alert to the vehicle. A subsequent search of the Pacifica revealed 289 pounds of marijuana concealed in six large black duffel bags. The driver was identified as Tatiana Ruiz of Houston, Texas. 

Ruiz was booked into the Mineral County Detention Center on charges of Trafficking of Marijuana, a Category B Felony punishable by up to six years in prison. In Nevada, it is unlawful to travel with more than one ounce of marijuana or 1/8 ounce of cannabis concentrate. Ruiz was also charged with Obtaining or Possessing a Credit/Debit Card of Another, and Basic Speeding 1-10 mph over the speed limit.