Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Two undocumented immigrants charged with drug trafficking
Cocaine, cash and guns seized



By Sarah Newell Williamson

Published: March 10, 2009

CONOVER - An ongoing investigation involving several law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of two men charged with trafficking drugs.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office, the Hickory Police Department and the Newton Police Department searched a home at 3621 Puett Park Drive in Conover on Thursday after investigating, said Chief Deputy Coy Reid with the sheriff's office.

Investigators found and seized more than 16 ounces of cocaine, worth between $10,000 and $15,000, as well as $5,740 in cash and a 9 mm gun and a .25 automatic gun.

Miguel Lopez Guitierrez, 25, and Jose Bernabe Zenteno, 34, were charged with one count each of trafficking in cocaine and placed in the Catawba County jail. Each was given a $150,000 secured bond.

Reid said both are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. He said they will be tried in the U.S. If they are found guilty, Reid said they will serve time in the U.S. before returning to Mexico.


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