Battery compartment found filled with cocaine

On Saturday, August 9, 2003, while working Statewide Overtime Action Response (S.O.A.R.) on I-75 in Sumter County, Trooper Jason Lemery stopped the driver of a 1994 Mercury van from Texas for an improper lane change and following too closely. Trooper Lemery became suspicious when the driver could not produce any identification, and he and his passenger displayed considerable nervousness and could not agree on their trip plan.

Trooper Jimmie Davis arrived as backup, and walked K-9 Jewels around the vehicle. Jewels alerted to the area around the hood and fender seam on the driver’s side of the van. A search of this area revealed an altered battery, which contained a false compartment. The battery compartment was filled with approximately 3.5 kilos of cocaine. The driver and passenger were both arrested and booked into the Sumter County jail on charges of drug trafficking. Thanks to S.O.A.R. and excellent police work, two more drug dealers are off the Florida roadways. Good work guys!

Did you know 3.5 kilos of cocaine
could fit inside a battery compartment?