Big Rig Drivers Busted at Border Patrol Checkpoint with Cocaine in Axles

INDIO, CA - Two semi-truck drivers were arrested after 75 pounds of cocaine -- valued at nearly $1 million -- was found in the trucks' axles, border patrol officials said Monday.

The trucks were stopped just after noon Friday at the state Route 86 checkpoint in Salton City. A Border Patrol drug dog alerted agents to both trucks.

Agents found 15 bundles in each truck's rear axle compartments, which combined for a weight of 76.5 pounds and an estimated street value of $902,200, according to officials.

The truck drivers, both identified only as Mexican nationals, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

- City News Service / Image via Shutterstock