Semi-truck drug load squashed

CREATED Mar. 15, 2013

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Web Producer: Simone Del Rosario

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) – Deputies discovered more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana hidden among squash on a semi-truck headed west on I-10.

At the bottom of 32 large cardboard vegetable bins filled with squash, Pinal County’s Narcotic Task Force uncovered duct-tape packages containing 1,243 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of nearly $925,000.

The driver, Norberto De La Vega, 59, of California, was arrested and faces multiple drug offense charges.

A Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled the truck over for traffic violations when the driver started making erratic movements on the interstate after spotting the deputy’s marked vehicle in the median.

When the deputy approached the truck, he immediately smelled marijuana. De La Vega told the deputy he was returning to Los Angeles. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver acted very nervous and was visibly shaking when he handed over his paperwork.

The deputy retrieved his canine partner, who alerted immediately on the trailer, which is when the Narcotic Task Force was called for backup.

“Thanks to our alert K-9 handler and his dog, this load was squashed,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Our office will begin forfeiture proceedings on the semi-truck and trailer which were used to transport the marijuana.”

After the evidence was secured and all parties declined ownership of the load, the Sheriff’s Office donated the squash to St. Mary’s Food Bank.