Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — A traffic stop in Merced County led to a drug bust.

CHP Merced says officers stopped a Nissan Murano at the Hammett Avenue exit of Highway 99 for a window tint violation during the graveyard shift.

According to the CHP, officers were talking to the driver and passenger when they noticed the two telling conflicting stories and appeared nervous.

Officials said this prompted a K-9 unit.

CHP says the K-9 alerted officers to narcotics.

[RELATED]CHP seizes $1.3 million worth of cocaine during traffic stop on I-5

During a search of the vehicle, officers said they discovered over 4 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in the driver's side fender panel.

According to the CHP, further investigation revealed that the driver presented false identification.

When officers learned the driver's real name, they discovered that he had several arrest warrants, including extradition warrants for drug-related offenses.

According to CHP, both the driver and passenger were arrested on drug charges and taken to the county jail.

CHP turned the case over to the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET) for further investigation.