A traffic stop on Interstate 20 resulted in the seizure of suspected counterfeit electronics, marijuana, and thousands of dollars in cash, according to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.
On April 20, at approximately 5:50 PM, an officer with the Minden Police Department was conducting criminal interdiction on Interstate 20 eastbound near mile marker 45 when a vehicle was observed committing multiple traffic violations.
A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver, identified as Luca Pariggiano, and a passenger, identified as Gabrielle Gargiulo, were contacted. During the investigation, officers determined the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license.
While speaking with the occupants, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and noted inconsistencies in their travel plans. When questioned, the passenger admitted marijuana was inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 14 grams of marijuana and a grinder commonly used to process marijuana.
Officers also located approximately $10,000 worth of falsely trademarked Apple products, including AirPods Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max devices. Authorities noted that when powered on, the phones operated on Android software rather than Apple’s operating system. Additional electronic items were recovered, along with approximately $5,000 in U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from the sale of the counterfeit merchandise.
Both individuals were taken into custody. Further investigation revealed both subjects had holds with Homeland Security Investigations, and one was identified as being on an FBI watch list. They were later taken into custody by federal authorities.
McIver credited the officer’s awareness during the stop. “It was good investigative work … to recognize what he had when he stopped these guys,” McIver said. “Interstate 20 is a pipeline that criminals use to move illegal merchandise, people, drugs, weapons and the list goes on. Catching it before it comes into our city can be crucial at deterring it from hitting our city streets.”
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.