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Cocaine Trafficking Operation Uncovered in Calera, Alabama
Authorities in Calera, Alabama, made a significant drug bust that highlights ongoing issues surrounding illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The case unfolded when a local police officer stopped a vehicle for a minor traffic violation last week, leading to the discovery of a substantial quantity of cocaine.
According to Calera Police Chief David Hyche, the patrol officer noticed the vehicle lacked a proper license plate. Upon conducting the stop, the officer observed what he described as “probable cause for a search,” which resulted in the seizure of 46 pounds of cocaine.
The precise street value of the drugs is yet to be determined as Homeland Security Investigations continues to assess what was recovered. Both the driver and the passenger, Colombian nationals residing in the U.S. unlawfully, were arrested and face charges related to cocaine trafficking. One of the men is reportedly wanted in Atlanta for previous drug-related offenses.
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Hyche mentioned that they were initially unaware of the men’s origin, the contents of their vehicle, or their immigration status. However, he suggested that the decisions made by the two individuals ultimately led to their apprehension.
Additionally, law enforcement is collaborating with federal agencies to explore drug trafficking and immigration violations further. Investigators believe that the suspects were traveling from California to Miami and may have chosen a less conventional route to evade typical checkpoints aimed at intercepting drug shipments.
“If they chose I-65 to avoid heavy drug interdiction areas, it didn’t work out for them,” Hyche remarked.
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While discussing the relevance of minor traffic stops, Hyche advocated for maintaining them, underscoring how such actions can uncover more serious crimes, including child endangerment situations. He noted the declining trend of law enforcement agencies making stops for minor infractions, and he criticized this shift, arguing that such practices are essential for maintaining public safety.
“Many departments around the U.S. have ceased making stops for minor traffic violations. I have repeatedly spoken out against this and other instances where law enforcement leaders apologize for enforcing the law,” Hyche stated. “We in law enforcement don’t make laws; we enforce them.”
The Chief highlighted concerns regarding the current drug crisis, noting that the accessibility and affordability of drugs like cocaine and heroin have surged due to continuous trafficking by drug cartels across the U.S. border. He emphasized that if border control were more effective, the costs of these narcotics might rise.
“If we control the borders, the dope would be expensive,” he explained. “The solution has to be at the border. It can’t be here.”
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Shelby County District Attorney Matt Casey commended the Calera Police Department for their diligent work in protecting the community, announcing that the two suspects are being held on a $10 million bond. This incident has been described as one of the most significant drug busts in Shelby County’s history, reaffirming the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and its associated problems.
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