A man was arrested for attempting to smuggle about $1.8 million in cocaine through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint, states an arrest affidavit.

A white tractor-trailer driven by Juan de Dios Murillo arrived at about 6:45 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Interstate 35 checkpoint.

During primary inspection, a K-9 unit allegedly alerted to possible people or narcotics concealed toward the rear of the tractor.

Authorities then referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, where Murillo stated he had narcotics concealed in the tractor. He was then detained and escorted to a secured area.

Agents then extracted 24 bundles of cocaine weighing 58.64 pounds from the tractor.

Drug Enforcement Administration special agents took over to investigate the cocaine smuggling attempt. Murillo was then taken to the Webb County Jail.

Murillo was charged with possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Written by César Rodriguez