This week, a truck driver was arrested in Louisiana after authorities discovered more than 100 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle during a traffic stop for a moving violation.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. on April 18 as deputies with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) were conducting routine patrols along LA Highway 28 East in Pineville.
A deputy pulled over a semi truck at LA 28 and LA 3128, Paper Mill Cutoff Rd. for improper lane usage.
During the traffic stop, deputies made contact with 56 year old Texas-based truck driver Jose Calderon, and “became suspicious of possible criminal activity.”
A canine unit was brought in and alerted to the presence of drugs on the truck.
Following a “thorough search of the tractor trailer,” deputies discovered “a little over 108 pounds” worth of cocaine.
Police estimate that the street value of the cocaine is between $1 — $3 million.
Calderon was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. He was charged with improper lane usage, obstruction of driver’s view windshield, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The truck and trailer were impounded by RPSO.
