State Police seize 15 kilos of cocaine

State Police seize 15 kilos of cocaine


WHITING | A traffic stop Monday night resulted in the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine when the occupants of the car began acting nervous, Indiana State Police said.

At 10:40 p.m., Trooper Jason Carmin stopped a 1996 Jeep for a license plate violation at Indianapolis Boulevard and South Lake Avenue. During the stop, the driver, Rafael Martinez-Arambula, 27, of Whiting and his passenger, Jose Aragon, 29, of Highland, Calif., became suspicious in their actions and stories, Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas said.

Trooper Michael Jones and his canine "Boss" alerted to possible drugs inside the Jeep and a search revealed the cocaine wrapped in clear plastic inside a duffel bag in the back seat.

A search warrant was obtained for Martinez-Arambula's residence in Whiting, where 15 pounds of marijuana was found in a bedroom closet in a black trash bag.

Martinez-Arambula and Aragon were taken to Lake County Jail and charged with felony cocaine dealing. Authorities said further charges are pending.