An Arizona State Trooper made a big drug bust this week during a routine commercial vehicle traffic stop.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), on Monday, a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement trooper initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a Volvo tractor-trailer on eastbound Interstate 40 in Holbrook for civil traffic violations.
During the traffic stop and resulting commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search of the truck and trailer revealed 553.8 pounds of cocaine concealed within a produce load.
Further investigation revealed the drugs were being smuggled from the cities of Salinas and Los Angeles, California, to Canada.
The driver, 31-year-old Amarjeet Singh Matharu, was arrested and booked into the Navajo County Jail on charges including possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.