A routine traffic stop in the small town of Calera, Alabama, resulted in a significant drug bust, with police seizing 46 pounds of cocaine and arresting two Colombian men residing illegally in the U.S. The incident began when an officer noticed the vehicle lacked a license plate. During the stop, the officer observed something that gave him probable cause to search the vehicle, leading to the discovery of the cocaine. The street value of the seized drugs is still being assessed by Homeland Security Investigations.
Both men in the vehicle were charged with cocaine trafficking. One of them is also wanted in Atlanta for drug trafficking and failure to appear in court. Calera Police Chief David Hyche stated that the men's choices led to their arrest, emphasizing that the police department doesn't create laws, but enforces them.
Authorities suspect the men were transporting the cocaine from California to Miami, taking a less common route in an attempt to avoid areas known for drug interdiction efforts. Chief Hyche pointed out the irony of their attempt to evade law enforcement by using I-65.
Chief Hyche defended the practice of traffic stops for minor violations, citing instances where they have led to the rescue of children in dangerous situations. He criticized the trend of some police departments reducing such stops, arguing that weak law enforcement emboldens criminal behavior. He linked the current drug crisis to border security, stating that the influx of drugs across the border makes them readily available and affordable.
Shelby County District Attorney Matt Casey commended the police department's work and confirmed that the two men are being held on a $10 million bond. Chief Hyche believes this bust represents the largest drug seizure in Shelby County history.
