Suspect had drugs valued at $2.7 million

Believed to be member of La Familia Michoacana cartel

Por: By Omar Millán 31 Mayo 2011 @ 9:18 am
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TIJUANA – A sexagenarian was detained Monday guarding cocaine and marijuana with an estimated street value of $2.7 million, state authorities announced.

The State Preventive Police identified the suspect as Rodolfo López Quintanilla, 60, who they believe is a member of the La Familia Michoacana cartel.

State police received a report, through its anonymous crime tip line, that several wrapped packages of marijuana could be found in a house in the Emperadores neighborhood, on the city’s east side.

State agents went to the location but did not find anyone or any drugs. However, they did find a utility bill for a house in the neighborhood of Monte Bello, where they went.

That’s where they found López Quintanilla, who agents said acted nervously when they contacted him. They searched his house and found 66 pounds of cocaine, three firearms, clips, ammunition, and a Honda Civic and Ford SUV.

The agents detained the man, who allegedly confessed to having another property in the same neighborhood that was being used as an auto body shop.

They went there and found packages containing 28 pounds of marijuana and a Beetle automobile with hidden compartments. Police believe it was going to be used to smuggle drugs into the United States.

Authorities estimated that the drugs had a combined street value of $2.7 million.

Omar.millan@sandiegored.com

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