California state police have arrested a truck driver and passenger for transporting about 12 kilograms of heroin, with a potential street value of about $12 million, through the town of Wawayanda.
On April 16, police pulled over the truck that was traveling eastbound on I-84 for not displaying the proper state decals.
After a K-9 unit search, officials found more than 12 kilograms (about 26 pounds) inside, converted into “decks” in black wrapping, then covered in cellophane and hidden in a secret compartment in the cab. Divided into portions, the load would have yielded an estimated $12 million in illegal sales, according to authorities.
Joaquin Ramos Hernandez, 34, of Fresno, Ca., was a passenger in the truck and pleaded guilty to the felony charge of first-degree possession of a controlled substance. He faces a 10-year prison term.
The driver, Enrique Becerra Mendoza, 38, also from Fresno, has also been charged with first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He is scheduled for court Tuesday.
Both men were committed to the Orange County Jail without bail. If convicted, each face 8 to 20 years in state prison.
According to officials, the drug bust is the biggest one-time heroin seizure in Orange County.
Source Mid-Hudson News