OSP TRAFFIC STOPS LEADS TO SEIZURE OF 55 LBS OF COCAINE, ARREST OF ONE PERSON - INTERSTATE 5 NEAR MEDFORD (PHOTOS)
Posted: June 29th, 2011 3:40 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1002/45778/ramirez.jpg (Ramirez-Hernandez)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1002/45778/062811.i5mp32.cocaine.1.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1002/45778/062811.i5mp32.cocaine.2.JPG
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the seizure of approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine (approximately 55 pounds) found during a Tuesday night traffic stop on Interstate 5 in the Medford area. A Bellingham, Washington man was taken into custody during the stop and cocaine seizure.
According to OSP Lieutenant Kelly Collins, on June 28, 2011 at approximately 11:15 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 2002 Chevrolet pickup displaying Washington license plates for a traffic violation on Interstate 5 near milepost 32. The pickup's driver was identified as SAMUEL RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ, age 27, from Bellingham, Washington.
Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the assistance of an OSP drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the passenger compartment. Estimated value of the seized cocaine is $600,000.
This was the second significant cocaine seizure by OSP troopers during traffic stops within the last week. The previous stop June 23rd on Highway 97 about eleven miles south of the Oregon/Washington border netted approximately 65 pounds of cocaine.
RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ was arrested without incident and lodged in the Jackson County Jail in Medford for Unlawful Manufacture, Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance - Cocaine.
Photograph Sources:
Cocaine Photographs - Oregon State Police
Ramirez-Hernandez Photograph - Jackson County Sheriff's Office
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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