Traffic Stop In Durham Leads To Discovery Of 17 Kilograms Of Cocaine, 3 Men Arrested

DURHAM, NC – The Durham Sheriff’s Office Anti-Crime and Narcotics Unit (SAC/Narc) made three arrests in relation to an investigation into illegal drug activity. The arrests were made following a traffic stop on Monday, which led to the discovery of 17 kilos of cocaine. The three men are now facing drug trafficking charges.

The investigation was conducted as part of a United States Department of Homeland Security Task Force targeting drug activity across the state of North Carolina. It concluded on Monday, August 26, 2024, when a traffic stop was conducted in Durham of two men who were the focus of the investigation. 

The men who were stopped in their vehicle are identified as Ismael Velaquez-Garcia, 22, and Francisco Altamirana-Pena. At the time of the stop, they were found to be in possession of 4 kilos of cocaine. As their primary residence is in Lexington, NC, task force investigators contacted police in Lexington. They went to the residence and located a third suspect at the home. That suspect, Christian Rafael Velazquez-Garcia, 26, was in possession of an additional 13 kilos of cocaine.

All three men were arrested, and each was charged with two counts of Trafficking in Cocaine and one count of Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle for a Controlled Substance. The men found in Durham were transported to the Durham County Detention Center, where they are currently detained pending a $500,000 secured bond. Christian Rafael Velazquez-Garcia is being held in the Davidson County Detention Center on a $450,000 bond.

It is unclear if Ismael Velaquez-Garcia and Christian Rafael Velazquez-Garcia are related.

Photos: Courtesy of Durham County Sheriff’s Office