MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Horry County police found about $1 million worth of cocaine hidden in the car a Galivants Ferry man was driving, after stopping the man for allegedly speeding on U.S. 501.
Police charged Alejandro Valderrabano Contreras, 31, of Galivants Ferry with speeding over 15 mph, but less than 25 mph, having no South Carolina driver's license and trafficking in cocaine 400 grams or more, according to jail records. He was arrested Friday. Bail on the traffic violations is set at $200. Bail was not set on the drug charge.
The arrest happened Friday night, after Horry County police Street Crimes Unit officers stopped a 2003 Nissan Maxima around 8:20 p.m. for speeding in the Galivants Ferry area, according to Sgt. Robert Kegler of Horry County Police. He said when officers made contact with Contreras they learned he didn't have a valid driver's license and they took him into custody.
As officers took inventory of the inside of the vehicle, they found a hidden compartment in the center console that contained 10 kilograms or 22 pounds of cocaine, Kegler said.
Detectives from the police department's Narcotics and Vice Section were called to the location and took over the investigation.
A records check with the State Law Enforcement Division showed that Contreras has no criminal history in South Carolina.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Copyright 2013 - The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
