Man sentenced to prison after I-20/59 traffic stop turns up 6 kilos of cocaine in car batteries
U.S. District Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Brandon Azael Lopez, 30, of McAllen, Texas, to 46 months – nearly four years - in prison.
Ethan Parker 
A McAllen, Texas man is heading to federal prison after a routine traffic stop in Alabama uncovered a sophisticated drug smuggling operation hidden inside his vehicle.
The Discovery on I-20/59
Brandon Azael Lopez, 30, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Annmarie C. Axon. The sentencing follows an investigation that began on Dec. 12, 2023, when an agent with the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force pulled over Lopez on Interstate 20/59 in Greene County for a simple traffic violation—failing to signal a lane change.
During the stop, Lopez exhibited extreme nervousness while speaking with the agent. He claimed he and his brother were traveling to Charlotte, South Carolina, for an oil industry job, though he quickly corrected himself to say North Carolina when questioned. The agent requested consent to search the vehicle, which Lopez granted.
Batteries Used for Concealment
The search revealed evidence of an attempt to hide illegal cargo. Inside the car, the agent found a new jump box and jumper cables. However, the most suspicious discovery was under the hood. Two car batteries showed signs of tampering, including glue, pry marks, and extensive tooling around the cable nuts. When the agent lifted one of the batteries, he noted it felt far lighter than a standard car battery should.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered six bundles of cocaine, each weighing one kilogram, tucked away inside the battery casings.
Justice Served
Lopez pleaded guilty in October to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Following the sentencing, authorities issued a stern warning to those attempting to use Alabama's roadways for illicit activity.
“Drug traffickers are routinely finding creative ways to hide their illicit cargo, but our partners at the 17th Circuit Judicial Drug Task Force proved that solid investigative work will always defeat these tactics,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. “To anyone attempting to use Alabama’s highways as a pipeline for poison: no matter how well you think you’ve hidden your drugs, we will find them, and you will go to federal prison.”
Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Phil Williams added, “Those who use the interstate highways in the Northern District of Alabama to transport narcotics will be held accountable for their actions.”
The case was investigated by the DEA Birmingham Division and the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany T. Byrd. You can find the original report from AL.com via 205focus.com.
