A routine traffic stop in Alhambra turned into a major drug bust after a police K-9 detected roughly 200 kilos, or about 440 pounds, of cocaine hidden inside an SUV packed with cardboard boxes, according to the Alhambra Police Department.
Officers pulled the vehicle over along Valley Boulevard near the 710 Freeway. Police did not say what prompted the stop, but officers noticed the SUV was loaded with an unusual amount of cargo.
“The driver was transporting more cardboard boxes than Amazon on Prime Day,” police said in a social media post.
When questioned, the driver gave officers shifting explanations for the boxes. He first said he was heading home to Huntington Park from his cousin’s house and that the boxes weren’t his. Police said he then offered a second account, claiming he was delivering diesel parts to a shop owned by a friend.
That’s when K-9 Otis and his handler stepped in. Police said Otis alerted on the vehicle, leading officers to search it.
“Thanks to Otis’ top-tier nose, he alerted to the vehicle, and officers discovered the SUV was packed with approximately 200 kilos of cocaine,” police said.
The driver, identified as Julio Rangel of Huntington Park, was arrested and booked into the Alhambra Police Department jail.
Police credited Otis for the bust, writing, “A round of a-paws for our good boy, K9 Otis.” The post drew plenty of attention online, with commenters suggesting the dog deserved a promotion, a bone, or even a steak dinner for his work.
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