SAWARITA, Arizona — A truck driver has been arrested after a dozen migrants were found trapped in a trailer in Pima County. Authorities said they also found cocaine and fentanyl in the truck.
of Arizona Department of Public Safety Fourteen migrants were found trapped in the non-refrigerated trailer of a truck on Interstate 19 in Sahuarita on May 25, according to a statement.
DPS said the people were discovered during routine inspections of commercial vehicles.
As police inspected the truck, they noticed multiple signs of criminal activity and launched a search, leading to the discovery of the migrants.
Spanish version: Arizona Arrested Transporting 14 Immigrants and Refrigerators
DPS said there were 14 people in the trailer and only one bottle of water.
“The temperature inside the enclosed trailer can be up to 30 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature,” said DPS. “On May 25, the maximum temperature in Sahuarita was around 95 degrees Celsius, putting the trailer occupants at a serious risk of heat stroke.”
The trailer crew was examined by a doctor and handed over to border patrol officers.
Officers also found 14.25 pounds of fentanyl powder and 12.55 pounds of cocaine in the truck’s cab.
Eduardo A. Hernandez, 30, of Nogales, Arizona, was arrested and held at the Pima County Jail.
Hernandez faces numerous charges, including possession and transportation of drugs for sale, possession and transportation of dangerous drugs for sale, and 14 counts of dangerous conduct.
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