Texas Democratic state representative Alfonso "Poncho" Nevárez was caught on video surveillance dropping an envelope containing cocaine at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The Texas Department of Public Safety filed an affidavit on Oct. 29 detailing surveillance footage that revealed Nevárez "dropping a white paper object" as he walked out of the airport on Sept. 6. Two Texas Department of Transportation employees found the white envelope, prompting an investigation.
Inside the sealed envelope were four "small clear plastic baggies" containing cocaine.
Nevárez, who is chairman of the state house Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee, told the Texas Tribune on Thursday "the news is true."
Nevárez used an envelope with official state letterhead to carry his drugs.
"I observed the white envelope had a letterhead that was from the 'Office of the State of Texas House of Representatives Member Poncho Nevarez,'" Special Agent Otto Cabrera wrote in the affidavit.
The affidavit provides a warrant to test Nevárez's DNA as his saliva is presumed to match the saliva on the envelope. The sample will be used as evidence against the representative.
"I believe that there is probable cause to believe that the DNA profile obtained from Exhibit #S2.P1 could possibly belong to Rep. NEVAREZ," Cabrera said in the affidavit.
On Nov. 8, Nevárez announced he would not seek reelection but did not indicate at the time that drug abuse was his reason for leaving. On Thursday, Nevárez confirmed that the recent news prompted his decision and said he plans to seek treatment.
"I do not have anyone to blame but myself," Nevárez said. "I accept this because it is true and it will help me get better."