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MODESTO-

Modesto law enforcement arrested two suspects after a K-9 discovered 26 pounds of heroin hidden in a box of diapers.

Uncut heroin seized by the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team on February 25, 2015. Courtesy: Modesto Police Department
Uncut heroin seized by the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team on February 25, 2015.
Courtesy:
Modesto Police Department

The Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team, MNET, made a traffic stop just after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, in the area of Keyes Road and Highway 99.

According to police, during the stop Mark Ulrich of the Modesto Police Department was alerted by his K-9 Stryker of the scent of drugs. Investigators searched the car and found over 26 pounds of heroin hidden in a box of diapers.

The suspects Israel Alcazar, 34 from Modesto, and his wife Isabel Soto-Mandragon, 20, were in their car along with their 10-month-old baby.

Israel Alcazar, 34, and Isabel Soto-Mandragon, 20 Courtesy: Modesto Police Department
Israel Alcazar, 34, and Isabel Soto-Mandragon, 20
Courtesy:
Modesto Police Department

MNET investigators then searched Alcazar and Soto-Mandragon’s home on Dwight Lane in Modesto, near Carver Road and Rumble Road. Police found a handgun, along with other evidence of drug sales. They also seized over $1,200 in cash.

“We know we have taken a high level drug trafficker off of the street with this arrest”, said Sgt. Kelly Rea, the supervisor of MNET. “This was a significant seizure and should really make a dent in the access to Heroin in Modesto.”

Police say this particular heroin was not cut yet, which means it was in an extremely pure form. Heroin is typically mixed with “cutting agents” or substances to add weight and increase the street value.

This more pure form of Heroin will sell for approximately $8,000-$10,000 on the street. Once cut, the street value significantly increases, according to police.

MNET says the 26 pounds of heroin they seized from Alcazar and Soto-Mandragon would have a street value of over $2.3 million.

Alcazar and Soto-Mondragon were both booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and felony child endangerment. Alcazar was additionally charged with being armed in the commission of a felony.

Child Protective Services took the couple’s baby into protective custody.

If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.