Two Men Charged After Valparaiso Traffic Stop; Cocaine Later Found During Jail Intake
Hector Andres Martinez, 27, of Winona Lake, Indiana, and Jesus Cristian Alanis Diaz, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, are facing drug charges following a traffic stop in Valparaiso that led to the discovery of marijuana and cocaine-related evidence, with additional cocaine later located during Diaz’s booking process.
According to probable cause affidavits, a red Chevrolet sedan was stopped at approximately 12:21 a.m. on January 3, 2026, at U.S. Highway 30 / 325 E after police observed loud deterioration of the vehicle’s muffler. Court records state two men were inside the vehicle, with Martinez identified as the driver and Diaz identified as the front-seat passenger.
Court documents state a K-9 unit conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics. Police then searched the vehicle and reported locating a gray plastic bag containing marijuana in a small compartment to the left of the steering wheel. During a search of the center console, officers reported locating a black scale containing a white powdery substance, which was field tested and tested positive for cocaine.
The affidavits state police located a black duffel bag in the rear seat containing baggies and containers consisting of approximately 42 grams of raw marijuana, pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, THC wax containers, and a black scale containing marijuana residue. Police also reported locating a clear baggie containing a brown plant-like substance in the trunk, pending testing.
Court records state Diaz advised police the marijuana located inside the duffel bag belonged to him. The remaining contraband located inside the vehicle was reported to be in the constructive possession of Martinez. Police further reported both men advised Diaz had been picked up in Gary and they were traveling back “home,” and that when they arrived home, they planned to get “fucked up.”
Both men were transported to the Porter County Jail. Court documents state that during the booking process, jail staff located a clear plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance concealed in Diaz’s genital region. The substance later tested positive for cocaine and was packaged in multiple small clear plastic baggies, with a reported total weight of approximately 33 grams.
Charges filed January 5,2026:
Hector Andres Martinez
• Possession of Cocaine (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
Jesus Cristian Alanis Diaz:
• Dealing in Cocaine, More Than 10 Grams (Level 2 Felony)
• Possession of Cocaine, More Than 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony)
