Beaumont, Texas (WKRC) — A massive drug bust worth nearly $69 million unfolded during a routine traffic stop in Texas, thanks to a vigilant police K9 unit.
The Beaumont Police Department reported that an officer patrolling the area observed a white 15-passenger van towing a U-Haul trailer committing a traffic violation. The vehicle was pulled over, and the officer deployed K9 RHIP to inspect the vehicle.
K9 RHIP alerted to the presence of possible narcotics in the trailer. Upon further investigation, officers discovered 12 black and yellow totes inside, containing roughly 579 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
Based on data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the estimated street value of the seizure could be as high as $69,480,000 — using the average retail price of $120 per gram reported in 2021.
The driver, 43-year-old Kedra Parker, was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of a controlled substance exceeding 400 grams.
