CRYSTAL CITY, TX — A routine traffic stop in Zavala County led to the arrest of a local man on felony drug charges after authorities discovered suspected narcotics inside his vehicle.

According to the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on March 19, 2026, at approximately 5:24 p.m. when a sheriff’s office sergeant initiated a traffic stop after recognizing the driver as someone who did not possess a valid Texas driver’s license.

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The driver was identified as Mathew Jay Benavidez, who was detained during the stop. Deputies conducted an inventory search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of a syringe and a quantity of suspected black tar heroin packaged in multiple small bags.

Authorities reported that the narcotics weighed approximately 6.006 grams.

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Benavidez was transported to the Zavala County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, 4 grams to 200 grams), a second-degree felony under Texas law.

The Zavala County Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the presence of illegal narcotics and maintaining public safety throughout the county.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.