Torrance Truck Driver Arrested in Seizure of 7,200 Pounds of Cocaine
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PECOS, Tex. — A California truck driver was in custody Saturday after authorities seized nearly 7,200 pounds of cocaine valued at $500 million, officials said.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pecos Police Department’s drug-sniffing dog and the Texas Department of Public Safety found the drugs Thursday after a tractor-trailer was stopped on Interstate 20.
The truck driver, Khaled Alsawas, 43, of Torrance was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He remained in Midland County Jail. U.S. District Judge John G. Hyde ordered Alsawas held without bail until Tuesday, when a federal detention hearing is scheduled.
Assistant U.S. Atty. Tom Beery estimated the drugs’ street value at $500 million.
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