Story perspectives

California Highway Patrol Seizes $1M Cocaine in Merced

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Highway Patrol stopped a Honda Accord on Highway 99 in Merced and found 10 kilograms of cocaine worth $1 million hidden in the floorboards.
K9 units and the Merced Area Gang Narcotic Enforcement Team discovered two compartments labeled "Hotel California" after the driver and passenger consented to a search.
Both occupants were arrested, and authorities have not disclosed their identities.
The incident underscores drug trafficking concerns in California.

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Story summary

The California Highway Patrol stopped a Honda Accord on Highway 99 in Merced and found 10 kilograms of cocaine worth $1 million hidden in the floorboards.
K9 units and the Merced Area Gang Narcotic Enforcement Team discovered two compartments labeled "Hotel California" after the driver and passenger consented to a search.
Both occupants were arrested, and authorities have not disclosed their identities.
The incident underscores drug trafficking concerns in California.