14-05-2025
Hotel drug bust: Midland man arrested after officers recover over 500 grams of drugs
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man was arrested after police say a traffic stop led to the discovery of large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana inside a local hotel room.
44-year-old Billy Garcia Arredondo has been charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1, a first-degree felony, along with additional charges for cocaine and marijuana possession.
According to an arrest affidavit, the investigation began in March when detectives with the Midland Violent Crimes Task Force received information from a cooperating source alleging that Arredondo was distributing narcotics in the Midland area. The tipster also said Arredondo was driving a white Hummer. Detectives later confirmed his identity as Billy Garcia Arredondo.
On March 25, detectives observed Arredondo at the Quality Inn on West I-20, a location police say has previously been linked to narcotics activity. Arredondo and a woman were seen entering the hotel and leaving about 30 minutes later in different clothing. Officers initiated a traffic stop a few blocks away on Rankin Highway, citing expired registration.
During that stop, police said Arredondo had given consent to search the vehicle. Officers found a small amount of cocaine and marijuana inside, as well as a hotel room key card. Both individuals were detained and transported to the Midland Police Department for questioning.
Detectives then confirmed with hotel staff that Arredondo was staying in a room at the Inn. Due to concerns about evidence being tampered with, officers secured the room, and a search warrant was later granted by District Judge Robnett.
Inside the room, detectives reported finding six bags of methamphetamine weighing a total of 243 grams, five bags of cocaine totaling 70 grams, and one large bag of marijuana weighing 229 grams. They also located drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale and plastic baggies.
The affidavit states that Arredondo declined to admit ownership of the drugs but did not deny the evidence. The woman, whose name is redacted from the affidavit, denied knowledge of the narcotics but admitted to occasional cocaine use.
Both cell phones found during the investigation were seized and later subjected to forensic examination under an additional search warrant.
Arredondo was taken into custody on Monday, May 12, and booked into the Midland County Detention Center. His bond has been set at a combined amount of $512,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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