Greasy Cocaine | National Geographic

Summary

In a tense vehicle inspection, Officer Arellano questions a suspicious driver from Reynosa, Mexico, who lacks identification crosses. A canine alert leads to a thorough examination, revealing unauthorized modifications to the vehicle and a hidden compartment. Upon probing, authorities discover 34.48 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of around 6 million dollars. The successful operation underscores the team's commitment to combating drug trafficking, culminating in a significant victory in their efforts to keep narcotics off the streets.

Takeaways

• 🚔 Arellano questions a driver from Reynosa, Mexico, due to suspicious circumstances regarding the vehicle.
• 🔍 A vehicle inspection is planned to investigate inconsistencies and ensure the driver has no warrants.
• 🐕 A canine team is brought in, which positively alerts to the presence of drugs.
• ⚠️ Inconsistencies are found in the vehicle's muffler, indicating possible tampering.
• 🔧 Modifications are noted, including a non-factory muffler and alterations to the suspension.
• 🧳 A large compartment is discovered, connecting the cargo area to the driver's seat.
• 🕵️‍♂️ A probe reveals a white powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine.
• 📦 The cocaine is well-wrapped, indicating an effort to evade detection by canine units.
• 💰 The total weight of the seized cocaine is 34.48 kilos (76 pounds), valued at approximately $6 million on the street.
• 👏 Arellano expresses pride in successfully removing narcotics from the streets, marking it as a successful day.

Q & A

What prompted Arellano to inspect the vehicle?

Arellano had questions about the driver, who claimed to be coming from Reynosa, Mexico, and noted that the driver had the vehicle for seven months without any crosses, which raised suspicion.

What procedures did Arellano follow during the inspection?

Arellano conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle, checking the undercarriage, roof, and engine area, and also brought in a canine team for assistance.

What did the canine team indicate during the inspection?

The canine team gave a positive alert on the vehicle, suggesting the presence of narcotics.

What inconsistencies did Arellano observe on the vehicle?

Arellano noticed a recent weld on the muffler that appeared abnormal, as well as modifications to the suspension, indicating possible non-factory alterations.

What was found when the compartment in the vehicle was accessed?

Upon accessing the compartment, Arellano discovered bricks that appeared to be cocaine, wrapped in multiple layers to conceal their odor.

How much cocaine was ultimately recovered from the vehicle?

A total of 34.48 kilos, or 76 pounds, of cocaine was recovered from the vehicle.

What is the estimated street value of the recovered cocaine?

The recovered cocaine is estimated to be worth about 6 million dollars on the street.

What significance did the successful inspection have for Arellano and his team?

The successful inspection made Arellano and his team proud, as it resulted in the removal of narcotics from the street, marking a successful day in their efforts.

What specific alterations were made to the vehicle to create a compartment?

The vehicle had a compartment created that extended from the cargo area to the front driver's seat, which involved cutting the floor and adding screws to secure it.

Why was it important for the canine to alert during the inspection?

The canine's alert was crucial as it indicated the possible presence of illegal substances, prompting a more in-depth inspection of the vehicle.