DEA agents discovered 46 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a semi truck’s axles in Pennsylvania, a recent report revealed.
The bust happened last month at a leased warehouse in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, after the DEA received a warrant to search the location. Drug sniffing K-9s indicated the presence of drugs inside the frame of a tractor trailer that was parked in the warehouse.
According to the Pocono Record, agents used a diamond tipped saw to cut through the metal frame. Several kilograms of cocaine were found in the frame, which was welded shut.
The illegal load has an estimated street value of $3.5 million officials say.
“This is directly linked to Mexican drug cartels,” PMRPD Chief Chris Wagner said.
The owner of the truck, Manuel Escarcega Jr., was present during the DEA raid and was taken into custody. He was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.