Greensville County, VA – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 95 in southern Virginia led to the seizure of nearly $2 million worth of cocaine, authorities say.
According to Virginia State Police, the incident occurred Wednesday at approximately 8:49 a.m. when troopers pulled over a vehicle in Greensville County for allegedly following another car too closely. After a state police narcotics canine allegedly alerted troopers to possible drugs, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Officers reportedly discovered 20 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value just under $2 million.
Two Florida residents were taken into custody following the discovery. Virginia State Police identified the suspects as Joel Garcia-Damian, 36, of Doral, Florida, and Luis Abdiel Padilla-Martell, 23, of Miami, Florida. Both individuals were allegedly charged with possession with intent to distribute and transport of narcotics into the Commonwealth with the intent to distribute, police said.
The suspects had initial hearings this morning in Greensville County General District Court, according to authorities. Further details about their court proceedings or bond status were not immediately available.
The Virginia State Police said the traffic stop and subsequent investigation remain ongoing. Authorities have not released additional information about the suspects’ intended destination or whether further charges are anticipated.
This seizure underscores the continued efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal drug trafficking along Virginia’s major highways.
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