Phoenix, AZ – A routine Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) inspection turned into a major drug bust after troopers discovered 233 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a semi-trailer traveling along Interstate 17 on October 24, 2025. Authorities say the seizure marks one of the largest narcotics interceptions in the state this year.
The Incident: Cocaine Hidden Inside Semi-Trailer
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Canine District troopers conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi-trailer during a highway patrol stop on Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.
During the inspection, a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting officers to search the vehicle more thoroughly. They discovered an aftermarket compartment built into the trailer that contained 233 pounds of cocaine.
Officials estimate the street value of the seized drugs at approximately $3 million. The troopers immediately detained the driver, who was later booked on multiple felony charges, including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Investigators believe the cocaine was being transported from California to New Jersey as part of a larger interstate trafficking operation. Authorities say the driver was acting as a courier for an organized drug network moving shipments across multiple states…