Second man sentenced after over 50 pounds of meth found in I-80 traffic stop

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A second man has been sentenced in federal court for drug distribution after troopers found meth during a traffic stop along Interstate 80 in Hamilton County.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Edwin Correa Miranda, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced to 11 years for one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Following his release, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

He received the same sentence as his co-defendant Juan Martinez Arroyo, who was sentenced last month .

On Aug 17, 2023, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol observed a Toyota Camry following another vehicle too closely while traveling eastbound on I-80, near Giltner.

NSP said during the traffic stop, the trooper become suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers found a duffle bag containing 11 packages that later tested positive for meth. The State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed there was a total 24,777 grams of meth.

A loaded Ruger handgun and a magazine containing five rounds were also found under the passenger seat.