Texas Couple Faces Federal Drug Trafficking Charges After 345 Pounds of Cocaine Seized
A Texas couple is facing federal drug trafficking charges after authorities discovered over 345 pounds of cocaine hidden in a trailer they were towing. Luke David Brader, 80, and Susan Brader, 74, were stopped at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias in southern Texas on July 1. A K-9 alerted agents to the trailer, leading to the seizure of 134 packages of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment.
The couple appeared in federal court on July 6, charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. They waived their right to a preliminary hearing, and the judge determined there was enough evidence for the case to proceed, ordering them to remain in custody pending a detention hearing.
Luke Brader was driving a truck towing a white box trailer when they arrived at the checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 detected something suspicious in the front wall of the trailer. Subsequent X-ray scans revealed a hidden compartment containing 134 packages of cocaine weighing more than 345 pounds.
The Braders admitted to DEA agents that they were aware of the illegal narcotics inside the trailer. They confessed that they were expecting payment of $5,000 to $10,000 to transport the trailer to Houston. The couple was charged with possession of over 5 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Both Luke and Susan Brader have separate legal representation. The attorneys have not responded to requests for comment. The case is ongoing, and further developments are awaited.