CALIFORNIA — Recently, the California Highway Patrol made two significant drug seizures on Interstate 5. The seizures resulted in over 350 pounds of confiscated illegal substances.
Cocaine Hidden in Truck Roof
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On February 28th, a routine traffic stop by a Central Division K-9 unit on the I-5 led to a major cocaine bust. The stop involved a Ford F150 driven by James Churn. During the stop, the driver’s behavior raised suspicions of criminal activity, prompting the deployment of a CHP K-9 named “Shei.” The search that followed revealed a sophisticated hidden compartment in the vehicle’s roof, containing 20 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $720,000.
The secret compartment that was used. (Click to Enlarge)
Police arrested James Churn at the scene and booked into the Merced County Jail. He faces charges of possession of cocaine for sale and transportation of cocaine across noncontiguous counties. The case has since been handed over to the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET) for further investigation.
Massive Marijuana Haul
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In a separate incident, on March 6th, CHP officers in Yreka stopped a pickup truck pulling a trailer for a vehicle code violation on Interstate 5. The officers’ investigation led to the discovery of an astonishing 340 pounds of marijuana, divided into 300 pounds of unprocessed and 40 pounds of processed cannabis.
Authorities found the marijuana within the trailer and subsequently seized it. They are recommending drug violation charges against the driver. His identity remains undisclosed pending further proceedings.
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These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and success in combating drug trafficking in California. The CHP’s use of trained K-9 units has proven instrumental in these operations. In turn, this underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and disrupting illegal drug operations.
