In a significant development for law enforcement in a small Alabama town, local police have intercepted a substantial quantity of cocaine, uncovering a case of illegal alien involvement in drug trafficking.
The incident unfolded when a Calera police officer conducted a routine traffic stop for a minor infraction, which ultimately led to the discovery of 46 pounds of cocaine.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche explained that the vehicle was initially stopped for lacking a proper tag. During the stop, "probable cause for a search was evident," which resulted in the seizure of the narcotics. The monetary value of the drugs is pending assessment by Homeland Security Investigations.
According to Fox News, the individuals apprehended are Colombian nationals residing illegally in the United States. Both men face charges of cocaine trafficking, with one also wanted in Atlanta for drug-related offenses and failure to appear in court. "We didn't initially know where these two were from, what they had in their car or their immigration status," Hyche stated. "The choices these two men made led to this outcome." The department is collaborating with federal agencies to pursue charges related to both drug and immigration violations.
Authorities suspect the men were en route from California to Miami, opting for an unconventional path to circumvent known drug interdiction zones. "If they chose I-65 to avoid heavy drug interdiction areas, it didn't work out for them," Hyche remarked.
Despite growing criticism of traffic stops for minor violations, Hyche defended the practice, citing instances where such stops have led to significant law enforcement successes, including the rescue of endangered children. "Many departments around the U.S. have ceased making stops for minor traffic violations. I have repeatedly spoken out against this and other instances where law enforcement leaders apologize for enforcing the law or change policy to appease critics," Hyche asserted. "We in law enforcement don't make laws, we enforce them."
The police chief further criticized what he perceives as "weak and passive law enforcement," suggesting it emboldens criminal activity. Reflecting on his decades-long career, Hyche noted the increased availability and reduced cost of drugs like cocaine and heroin, attributing this trend to insufficient border control. "If we control the borders, the dope would be expensive," he argued. "The solution has to be at the border. It can't be here."
Shelby County District Attorney Matt Casey expressed gratitude to the police department for their diligent efforts in safeguarding the community, noting that the suspects are being held on a $10 million bond. Chief Hyche believes this operation represents the largest drug bust in Shelby County's history, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
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