Shasta County, Calif. — A traffic stop in Shasta County led to a significant drug bust on Friday, December 6, 2024, when officers found over 13 pounds of suspected cocaine in the vehicle of two suspects.
The Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF) reported that around 10:30 a.m., a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer pulled over a northbound vehicle on Interstate 5 near Mountain Gate for a traffic violation.
The driver, 31-year-old Jose Luna-Deras, and his passenger, 42-year-old Nancy Carrasco, both from Richmond, were stopped for the violation.
K9 Search Uncovers Cocaine
During the stop, the officer deployed a K9 unit, which alerted the officer to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed a large amount of 13.6 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden inside.
Arrests and Charges
Following the discovery, SINTF initiated an investigation and placed both Luna-Deras and Carrasco under arrest for possession and transportation of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. Both individuals were booked into the Shasta County Jail, where bail has been set at $1,000,000 each.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, and the suspects now face serious charges related to drug trafficking.
