Louisiana State Police (LSP) seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine from a semi truck following a traffic stop in Monday.
The incident began around 6:20 a.m. on Monday, May 2, after LSP troopers stopped a 2005 Peterbilt 387 traveling east on I-12 in St. Tammany Parish.
During the traffic stop, troopers became suspicious of criminal activity and requested permission to search the vehicle. After obtaining consent, troopers searched the truck and discovered 55 kilograms (approximately 121 pounds) of suspected cocaine.
LSP says that the estimated street value of the cocaine is $5.5 million.
Troopers arrested New York residents Melvin Contreras, 32 and Pedro Sarante, 40, on drug-related charges. The two men were booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.
LSP referred the case to the Department of Homeland Security.
“Louisiana State Troopers will continue to provide the citizens of Louisiana a safer community through proactive drug related enforcement and cooperative efforts with local and federal law enforcement agencies. Troopers will target local and multi-state drug trafficking organizations by enforcing all state and federal laws governing the illicit manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use of drugs,” LSP said in a news release.