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K-9 Officers Score Major Drug Busts In Fullerton, Torrance

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — K-9 officers are credited with two major drug busts around the Southland, according to officials.

During a traffic stop in Torrance last Friday, police arrested seven men and one woman and confiscated more than a ton of pot.

Meanwhile, in Fullerton, a K-9 officer was responsible for busting a cocaine operation during another traffic stop.

The Torrance stop reportedly occurred near West Adams and Hauser Boulevards, according to Sgt. J. Hart of the Torrance Police Department.

After the K-9 officer determined the car contained contraband, a search warrant turned up 2,648 pounds of marijuana.

Suspects arrested were named as follows: Otto Gamalier Terrazas-Ruelas, 35, of Mexico; Jose Ayala, 28, of Mexico; Juan Carlos Ruelas, 26, of Mexico; Jimmy Escobedo, 24, of Alhambra; George Alberto Armas, 32, of Los Angeles; Juan Alberto Moyeda, 21, of Los Angeles; Eddie Escobedo, 27, of Los Angeles; and Stephanie Yolanda Salazar, 33, of Baldwin Park.

 

Meanwhile, a K-9 officer in Fullerton (his name is Mueller) reportedly sniffed out a 40-pound cache of cocaine (estimated between $500,000 and $1 million.)

The K-9 officer was purchased from a $10,000 donation to the department by Bruce and Fran Mueller of Fullerton. He recently died from cancer and wanted to donate the money for his namesake.

The driver in the Fullerton stop has been identified as 28-year-old Alfonso Cisneros of Pacoima.

Police said Cisneros was on probation for a narcotics violation.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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