Acting on an anonymous tip received through the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Division and the State Bureau of Investigation, deputies seized five kilos (11 pounds) of cocaine over the weekend.

According to reports, investigators received the tip regarding three vehicles that were involved in transporting cocaine into Sampson County. After observing the three vehicles just outside Clinton on U.S. 701 in a business parking lot, the deputies followed and stopped all three vehicles.

During subsequent searches of the vehicles, a total of five kilos of cocaine, valued at $1 million and three handguns were seized. The occupants of all three vehicles were taken into custody.

When it was all said and done, six men, one from Clinton, were charged.

Ramiro Rivera-Rubio, age 37, of 255 McPhail-Fowler Lane, Clinton was charged with trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; and possession with Intent to sell/deliver cocaine. He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.

Jose Joan Cruz Santander, 29, of 5709 Kyle Drive, Raleigh, was charged with trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine; and carrying a concealed weapon. He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

Daniel Bello-Pachew, 25, of 5809 Pointer Drive, Apt. C, Raleigh was charged trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine; and carrying a concealed weapon. He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

Victor Mendoza Montiel, 34, of 1724 Vintage Road, Raleigh was charged with trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; and possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine. He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.

Diego Gonzalez, age 23, of 500 Schonley Drive, Lt. 194, Raleigh, was charged with trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine; and carrying a concealed weapon. Gonzalez was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

Rigoberto Rivera-Leyva, 25, of 104 Lady Kali Drive, Knightdale, was charged with trafficking cocaine; conspiracy to traffic cocaine; possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine; and carrying a concealed weapon. Rivera-Leyva was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.

No other details about the arrests were available at press time.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 139 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.