April 2, 2026 – Merced CHP officials report that on March 31, 2026, at approximately 7:06 P.M., CHP Merced Area officers conducted an enforcement stop on a Honda Accord for a traffic violation on northbound SR-99, south of Mission Avenue with Merced County.

During the contact, the driver and passenger granted consent to search the vehicle. With the assistance of Central Division K9 Officers and Merced Area Gang Narcotic Enforcement Team agents, two concealed compartments hidden beneath the front seats were located.

Inside the compartments, officers discovered approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $1,000,000.

Both occupants were taken into custody, and the investigation was turned over to MAGNET agents.

CHP Reminder: Criminal activity on California roadways will not be tolerated. Our officers remain committed to keeping California’s communities safe.

Source & photos: Merced CHP