Four arrested for interstate cocaine trafficking conspiracy using white Freightliner semi trucks

Authorities arrested four people in connection with a conspiracy to traffic cocaine from Texas to Florida.

Daniel Cruz Pinales, Arturo Carlos, Joaquin Enriquez, and Jesus Guadalupe Chan Morales have been charged with Trafficking in Cocaine (400 grams to 150 kilograms) and Conspiracy, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Starting on July 11, 2026, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) began surveillance of a suspected Drug Trafficking Organization.

During the surveillance period, “investigators identified a monthly supply pattern involving white Freightliner semi trucks.”

Two of the suspects were observed retrieving bags from semi trucks in White Chapel and transporting them in a “chase vehicle” to Pinales in a parking lot in the Tampa Bay area.

Police intercepted Pinales and seized three suitcases containing an estimated 60 kilograms (132 pounds) of cocaine.

Enriquez, Morales, and Carlos were also arrested without incident.

Officials said that the cocaine shipment originated from El Paso, Texas.

“This operation dismantled a dangerous cartel pipeline flooding Florida communities with cocaine,” said Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE, and our Statewide Prosecutors, we have removed 60 kilograms of poison from our streets and are holding these traffickers fully accountable.”

Uthmeier said that the defendants face a mandatory minimum term of 15 years under the current charges.