Recent criminal charges reveal that a traffic stop in Lakeville uncovered more than 35 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a vehicle engine three years ago.
Last month, Genoveva Perez Perez, a 52-year-old resident of Denver, Colorado, was charged with two first-degree controlled substance offenses by prosecutors in Dakota County. One charge pertains to the sale of the substance while the other pertains to its possession.
As per the criminal complaint, on June 11, 2021, while keeping an eye on traffic entering Minnesota on Interstate-35, two task forces were alerted about a Chevrolet Silverado with Colorado license plates. It was suspected that the vehicle was involved in drug trafficking.
During a routine patrol, a trooper discovered the truck on I-35, specifically south of County Road 70 in Lakeville. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted.
The charges state that the trooper initiated the stop after observing the truck’s passenger-side tires making contact with the fog line.
According to the complaint, the Trooper engaged in a conversation with Perez Perez regarding her travel plans. During the conversation, the Trooper detected possible drug-related activity both while Perez Perez was inside the vehicle and after she was asked to step out.
The trooper cautioned Perez Perez about her driving behavior according to the charges. He also inquired about drug usage and with her consent, conducted a search of her vehicle.
As per the complaint, the presence of a controlled substance was indicated by a K9, and the two troopers who searched the truck believed that it had a concealed compartment “based on numerous indicators,” as detailed in the complaint.
During the investigation, the authorities towed the vehicle from the site and proceeded with a thorough search. They discovered suspected controlled substances concealed within the engine.
As per the criminal complaint, a trooper discovered around 35 pounds or 15,934 grams of a substance that was confirmed to be cocaine.
If Perez Perez is convicted of the felony-level charges in Minnesota, he may face severe penalties, including up to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million per count.
