61 pounds of meth leads to arrest of two Illinois men near Giltner

GILTNER, Neb. -- Two Illinois men were arrested near Giltner after 61 pounds of methamphetamine was found in their vehicle.

The Nebraska State Patrol said a trooper saw a Toyota Camry following another vehicle too closely on Thursday at 9:45 a.m. The vehicle was heading east on Interstate 80, near Giltner around mile marker 324.

Officials said a traffic stop was done and the trooper was suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K9 was brought in and reportedly detected the scent of a controlled substance in the vehicle.

According to authorities, they searched the Camry and found 61 pounds of suspected meth in bins, along with a handgun.

NSP said the driver was 21-year-old Juan Martinez Arroyo and the passenger was 25-year-old Edwin Correa Miranda, both of Illinois. They were arrested for possession of meth, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm during a drug violation, and possession of a fireman while committing a felony. Both men were lodged in Hamilton County Jail.