Roadside CMV inspection ends in $2 million cocaine bust

Arizona authorities arrested a truck driver last week after discovering a large amount of illegal drugs in his vehicle during a roadside inspection.

On March 17, 2022, truck driver Angel Martinez-Santana, 42 of the Dominican Republic, was arrested on a felony charge of Transportation of Narcotic Drugs for Sale, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

The incident began when officers with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Enforcement Division were inspecting a commercial vehicle on eastbound I-40 at about mile post 3.

A Mohave County Sheriff’s Office canine was requested to respond and assist with the inspection.

During the inspection, K9 Grimm alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the tractor.

Officers searched the CMV and located duffel bags that contained several bundles of a substance that tested positive for cocaine.

The bundles of cocaine weighing approximately 143 pounds have an estimated total street value of $2 million.

Martinez-Santana was placed under arrest and booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility.

The incident remains under investigation.