Rapides Parish, LA (4/20/2023) – Rapides Paris Sheriff’s Office reported on April 18, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM, deputies assigned to the RADE Unit Highway Interdiction Team were conducting a routine patrol on LA Highway 28 East in Pineville. Deputies observed the driver of a semi-tractor trailer truck commit a traffic violation. They conducted a traffic stop for improper lane usage near LA 28 and LA 3128, Paper Mill Cutoff Rd.
Deputies contacted the driver, who was later identified as Jose Calderon, 56, from Edinburg, TX. As deputies conducted their investigation, they became suspicious of possible criminal activity. Deputies then deployed canine “Izzy” to do a free air sniff of the tractor-trailer and observed a positive alert to possible narcotics.
From a thorough search of the tractor-trailer, deputies located 35 kilos of powder cocaine. The total weight of the packages was a little over 108 pounds. Deputies placed Calderon under arrest, and he was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked. Calderon remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $500,000.00 bond. Deputies also impounded the tractor-trailer rig.
RADE Agents responded to assist in the investigation, along with the assistance of Agents from the local field office of the FB and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Agents estimate the street value of the recovered cocaine is between $1 -3 million.
Arrestee:
Jose Calderon, 56
Edinburg, TX
Charges:
Improper lane usage
Obstruction of drivers’ view windshield
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
