Approximately $1-$3 Million in Cocaine Found in Tractor-Trailer in Louisiana After Authorities Pull Driver Over for Traffic Infractions

Rapides Parish, Louisiana – Approximately $1-$3 million worth of cocaine was found in a tractor-trailer in Louisiana after authorities pulled a driver over for traffic infractions.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on April 20, 2023, that on April 18, around 2:30 PM, deputies from the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit Highway Interdiction Team were conducting a routine patrol on LA Highway 28 East in Pineville. Authorities reportedly spotted a semi-tractor trailer truck driver commit a traffic infraction and performed a traffic stop around LA 28 and LA 3128, Paper Mill Cutoff Road.

Deputies approached the motorist, later identified as José Calderon, 56, of Edinburg, Texas. Deputies reportedly became suspicious of suspected criminal activity while conducting their inquiry. Deputies then used canine “Izzy” to perform a free air sniff of the tractor-trailer and observed a positive alert for potential narcotics.

Deputies discovered 35 kilos of powder cocaine after conducting a thorough check of the tractor-trailer. The combined weight of the items was somewhat more than 108 pounds. Calderon was arrested by deputies and taken to the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where he was booked. Calderon is still being held in jail on a $500,000.00 bond at the time of this release. The tractor-trailer rig was also impounded by deputies.

RADE agents responded to assist with the investigation, as did agents from the FBI’slocal field office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The street worth of the recovered cocaine is estimated to be between $1 and $3 million dollars, according to agents.