Feds: Two men arrested after exchanging diaper box containing 24lbs of cocaine

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men are in federal custody after exchanging a diaper box that contained 24 pounds of cocaine, documents allege.

Ismael Alvarado and Ernesto Badillo Salas were arrested on conspiring and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, records show.

On Feb. 23, Alvarado was driving a silver 2012 silver Nissan Altima when he was pulled over by officers with the Cameron County District Attorney's Office for violation of traffic laws, a criminal complaint stated.

During the traffic stop, a K-9 officer alerted authorities to the presence of drugs. Officers then found 10 bundles wrapped in black electrical tape inside a diaper box in the trunk of the car, the document stated.

The bundles, which tested positive for cocaine, weighed 24.25 pounds. Alvarado admitted to transporting the drugs in exchange for a payment, authorities said.

That same day, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant in Brownsville. Through surveillance, agents were able to see Alvarado receive the diaper box at the residence from Badillo Salas.

While searching Badillo's residence, agents found ledgers of prior drug sales, the complaint stated.

The two men made an initial appearance in federal court on Monday. They remain held without bond.