At approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 10, Wood County Sheriff's Office Investigators encountered and arrested a wanted person during a drug interdiction stop on Hwy 80 in Mineola.

The investigators located Eric McQuilliams of Mineola, age 25, in the vehicle. McQuilliams was known to have outstanding warrants for probation violation. The deputies took McQuilliams into custody on the warrants.

Upon further investigation, and with the assistance of a Smith County K-9 unit, the investigators discovered in the subject's vehicle an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, scales and other items associated with the sell and transportation of narcotics.

As a result of the search investigators seized two vehicles as well as over $25,000 in cash. Also found in the vehicle with McQuilliams were several handguns, one of which was reported to be stolen out of Kilgore.

McQuilliams is being detained in the Wood County Jail, charged with the probation violation, as well as possession with intent to deliver marijuana and methamphetamine.

He is also being charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. Eric McQuilliams claimed to have ties with a Mexican Cartel and "admittedly is one of the largest dealers in this area," according to a press release from the Wood County Sheriff's Office.