10/06/08

According To Idaho State Police a seven month drug investigation, which produced leads in Twin Falls and Blaine counties and as far away as Humboldt County, California, ended last week with the arrest of a previously deported man in Hailey, and led to the confiscation of more than 25 pounds of marijuana.

Officials say 37-year-old Augustine Martinez-Lazo was arrested last friday.

Officers say he was previously deported back to Mexico after serving time in Texas on felony charges for distribution of controlled substances.

Officers operating on a search warrant raided the Martinez-Lazo residence at 202 Altuas Driver in Hailey to find the marijuana.
Officers say approximately $128,000 in cash as well as numerous restored vehicles were also seized.

Officers say Martinez-Lazo was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance where children are present, several weapons violations, as well as being in the U.S. illegally after having been deported.

One day prior to his arrest, 21-year-old Holly Lyn Koyle and 31-year-old Noe Castillo Jr. were arrested at a residence at 1441 Woodside in Hailey, also on drug charges.

Officers had obtained a search warrant after leads indicated the pair was selling drugs in the Twin Falls and Hailey areas.
Officers were also able to trace the case to Humboldt County, California where the pair had purchased the marijuana.

Officers say they found two pounds of marijuana and $14,300 in cash at the home.

It was then learned that Castillo's uncle, Martinez-Lazo, was a major operator in the area which then led to securing of the warrant for his arrest on Friday.

Idaho State Police say efforts between local, county, state and federal agencies made the arrests possible.