PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – A traffic stop in Phoenix ended Tuesday with the arrest of two brothers after police said they discovered a large supply of drugs and money. Phoenix police say one of their officers stopped a driver who was later identified as 24-year-old Ivan M. Corona after failing to stop at a stop sign. The officers dressed him near the intersection of Roosevelt and 7th Streets. Mug shot for the 24-year-old Ivan M. Corona. (Source: MCSO) During the stop, the officer discovered what he thought was suspicious on the floor of the pickup truck. The official said the bags appeared to contain cocaine and methamphetamine. When Ivan was searched, “several white bags containing a white powdery substance fell on the floor,” the court records say. In total, court files say that 14 bags were found in Corona’s underwear. According to police, 12 bags contained more than 25 grams of cocaine and the other 2 contained 7.54 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation then led the officers to two nearby apartments. In the first apartment, located near 29th and Roosevelt Streets, officials said they found more than $ 70,000 in cash. While the police were in the apartment, Ivan’s brother, 28-year-old Romaldo G. Mendoza-Corona, showed up and told the police that he lived in this apartment, the court records said. Mug shot for the 28-year-old Romaldo G. Mendoza-Corona. (Source: MCSO) When the police asked Romaldo if he had drugs with him, court documents said he pulled “bags of cocaine out of his pockets”. Hollowed pieces of wood were found in the apartment that investigators believe were used to transport drugs, police say oxycodone pills with fentanyl, according to court documents. Police also say they found 25 pounds of methamphetamine and half a pound of cocaine. Court documents say Ivan told investigators that he came to the United States last December with a plan to work in construction for about a month before someone spoke to him about selling drugs. He told police that he and his brother helped pick up and package the drugs, the court documents said. Both Ivan and Romaldo were arrested. Both are charged with possession of narcotics, the sale and transport of narcotics, and money laundering. Copyright 2021 KPHO / KTVK (KPHO Rundfunkgesellschaft). All rights reserved.
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