STAFF REPORT

Local investigators busted a plane at the San Marcos Airport loaded with 850 pounds of marijuana stuffed into 16 large duffle bags, police say.

The Hays County Narcotics Task Force, staffed with officers from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and San Marcos Police Department, conducted an airport interdiction for drugs at the San Marcos Airport. Bundles, believed to be illegal drugs, were observed being removed from the aircraft into a waiting 2005 Chevy Suburban.

Investigators trailed the vehicle into the city limits of San Marcos, where deputies from the sheriff’s office made a traffic stop on IH-35 northbound at River Ridge Parkway.

Deputies located the marijuana stash in the rear of the vehicle and arrested the driver, Melvin Alexander Duran, 33, of Austin, and his juvenile passenger, investigators say.

Duran has been charged with possession of marijuana, over 50 but under 2,000 pounds, a second degree felony. His bond has been set at $60,000 and he remains in custody. The juvenile was taken into custody and placed in juvenile detention.

The pilot of the aircraft, Joe Frank Corder, 64, of Wimberley, has been charged with delivery of marijuana, a first degree felony. His bond has been set at $80,000 and he also remains in custody.