Arizona trooper discovers 447 pounds of cocaine in traffic stop

PHOENIX — An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper seized approximately 447 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Kingman last week, authorities said.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $12.1 million.

What tipped troopers off?

A Canine District trooper stopped a white Toyota minivan traveling eastbound on I-40 near Kingman on Wednesday for what they described as “civil traffic violations”, according to a Facebook post by AZDPS. During the stop, the trooper “observed indicators of criminal activity and conducted a search of the vehicle.”

Inside, troopers found a large quantity of tightly wrapped packages hidden beneath rugs in the trunk. Testing confirmed the packages contained cocaine.

Two occupants of the vehicle, the driver and one passenger, were arrested and booked into Mohave County Jail. Both face charges of transportation of a narcotic drug for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities did not release the names of those arrested.

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