A routine California traffic stop turned into a major drug seizure after a police K-9 detected approximately 200 kilos—about 440 pounds—of cocaine allegedly concealed inside an SUV loaded with cardboard boxes, authorities said.
The Alhambra Police Department said officers pulled the SUV over on Valley Boulevard near the 710 Freeway.
Authorities did not disclose why the vehicle was initially stopped, but officers soon noticed what appeared to be an unusually large amount of cargo inside.
“The driver was transporting more cardboard boxes than Amazon on Prime Day,” police joked in a social media post.
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Police said K-9 Otis helped uncover approximately 200 kilos, or roughly 440 pounds, of cocaine allegedly stashed inside the SUV. (Alhambra Police Department)
The driver then offered officers an explanation for the boxes, according to police.
“At first, he said he was heading home to Huntington Park from his cousin’s house and that the boxes were not his,” police wrote.
Police said the driver later gave investigators a different account.
“Later came version 2.0 of his lore,” the department said, adding that he claimed he was transporting diesel parts to a shop owned by a friend.
K-9 Otis and his handler were then brought in to assist with the investigation.
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Alhambra police credited K-9 Otis after the traffic stop led to the seizure of approximately 200 kilos of cocaine. (Alhambra Police Department)
Otis alerted officers to the SUV, prompting them to conduct a search, police said.
“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 by police as Julio Rangel of Huntington Park, was arrested and booked into the Alhambra Police Department jail.
After the seizure, Otis was celebrated as the key figure in the drug bust.
Alhambra police praised K-9 Otis after he alerted officers to an SUV authorities said was carrying approximately 440 pounds of cocaine. (Alhambra Police Department)
“A round of a-paws for our good boy, K9 Otis,” the department said.
Social media users joined in, praising the K-9’s performance and suggesting that Otis deserved a promotion—possibly even a future as police chief.
“Give that dog a bone!” another user exclaimed.
One user joked about Otis’ ability to sniff out criminals.
“No One escapes from the Long Paw of …. The DOG”
Others suggested that, at the very least, Otis deserved a big steak dinner.