Special to the NEWS
Two separate and unrelated arrests by San Benito Police Department (SBPD) officers resulted in the seizure of narcotics last week.
On July 30, 2026, at approximately 4:18 p.m., members of the SBPD Special Investigations, Traffic, and K-9 Units conducted a traffic stop near the 100 Block of West Batts Street in San Benito and identified the driver as Edward N. Hernandez of Harlingen.
During the traffic stop, officers discovered that Hernandez was allegedly in possession of approximately 172 grams of cocaine and marijuana, along with multiple units of the drug Sildenafil.
Hernandez was then taken into custody on charges related to narcotics possession.
According to a SBPD social media post, further investigation led to a search of his Harlingen residence, where officers allegedly discovered and seized 211 grams of cocaine, approximately two pounds of marijuana, additional Sildenafil tablets, a THC electronic smoking device, and additional drug paraphernalia, including scales, bags, and items that could be used in the processing of narcotics.
Hernandez was charged with the following and is awaiting arraignment: Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, PG1, a First-Degree Felony; Delivery/Offer to Deliver Dangerous Drugs, a State Jail Felony; Possession of Marijuana, Less Than Five Pounds, Greater Than Four Ounces, a State Jail Felony; and Possession of a Controlled Substance, PG2, a Third-Degree Felony.
In a spate and unrelated incident, on August 3, 2026, at or around 2:28 p.m., members of the SBPD Special Investigations, Traffic, and K-9 Units conducted a traffic stop on the 2500 Block of West Expressway 77/83.
The driver was identified as Daniel Cruz Cardenas, a Mexican national. During the subsequent investigation into the traffic stop, SBPD officers searched the vehicle.
The search produced a package containing items that were packed and concealed in a manner that led the officers to believe Cruz Cardenas was in possession of illegal narcotics.
Subsequent investigation and the use of Ghost, the SBPD’s police K-9, led to the alleged discovery of over 3,409 grams of cocaine.
According to the SBPD, Cruz Cardenas was then arrested for possession of cocaine and processed for later arraignment.
He was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, PGI greater than 400 grams, a First-Degree Felony.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
