2 arrested after CHP K-9 finds $700K of cocaine in Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two people were arrested after a California Highway Patrol K-9 discovered approximately 15 pounds of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop in Merced County, according to CHP.

CHP says on April 27, an officer seized 15 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Merced County, with an estimated street value of $700,000. The stop resulted in the arrest of 20-year-old Angel Lopez Velasco, of Washington, and 20-year-old, Jennifer Cisneros of Washington.

According to officers, at 3:15 p.m. on April 27, a K-9 officer conducted an enforcement stop on a 2010 Subaru for a traffic violation. The stop occurred on northbound I-5 at Highway 140. During the contact, the officer observed several indicators of criminal activity.

Investigators say while conducting a search of the vehicle, the K-9 officer discovered approximately 15 pounds of suspected cocaine. The narcotics were found divided into 1-kilogram amounts and factory-sealed within bags containing almonds.

According to CHP, Lopez and Velasco were arrested under suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale, and the transportation of a controlled substance across noncontiguous counties.

They were booked into the Merced County Jail.