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In Hacienda Heights There Is Problem. And That Problem Is West Coast To East Coast Cocaine Transport.

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Photo by swanksalot via Flickr

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Rhode Island State Police said on Friday that a Hacienda Heights man arrested arrested during a Rhode Island drug bust on Jan. 30 may have acted as a West Coast connection for the largest operation in the state's history, reports the Pasadena Star-News.

"Rodrigo Saucedo, 31, of Hacienda Heights; Andrew Rios, 39, of Downey; and Adilson Reyes, 29, of Utah, face charges of possessing more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act," reports the Pasadena Star-News. The bust netted $1.2 million in cash and approximately 145 pounds of cocaine valued at $6.6 million.

Lt. Raymond Studley of the Rhode Island State Police believes Saucedo may have worked as a part-time driver for the group but that his primary role was more of a West Coast connection to the East, and "because of California's proximity to Mexico, drugs are often funneled through the state before they are distributed across the country," reports the Pasadena Star-News. During the bust police also seized a 9mm handgun, and a semi truck, and a Chrysler Pacifica custom outfitted with special compartments for cocaine and money.

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