Mexican Cop Charged|With Drug Smuggling

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CN) - A Tijuana police officer was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of transporting more than 13 lbs. of heroin and 6 lbs. of methamphetamine in the United States.

Noe Raygoza Garcia, 33, was charged with possession with intent to distribute the drugs. He was arrested on March 13 after driving erratically near the Border Patrol checkpoint at Temecula. A drug-sniffing dog found the dope hidden in the rear seat, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Raygoza, who is being held without bond, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life.

Mexican police have long been suspected of having a hand in the drug trade.

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