Blog

Jan 24, 2024

Truck driver arrested with 14 migrants locked in trailer

Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video SAHUARITA, Ariz. —

Next up in 5

Example video title will go here for this video

SAHUARITA, Ariz. — A truck driver has been arrested after more than a dozen migrants were found locked inside a trailer in Pima County. Cocaine and fentanyl were also allegedly found in the truck, according to authorities.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said on May 25, 14 migrants were found locked in the truck's unrefrigerated trailer on Interstate 19 in Sahuarita.

The people were found during a routine commercial vehicle inspection, DPS said.

When troopers were inspecting the truck, they noticed multiple indicators of criminal activity, and a search was initiated, leading to the discovery of the migrants.

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Camionero de Arizona arrestado por transportar a 14 migrantes en una caja sin refrigeración

According to DPS, there was only one bottle of water with the 14 people inside the trailer.

"Temperatures in enclosed trailers can be up to 30 degrees hotter than the outdoor temperature," DPS said. "The high in Sahuarita on May 25th was approximately 95 degrees, putting the trailer's occupants at serious risk of heat-related illness."

The trailer's occupants received medical attention and were turned over to Border Patrol agents.

Troopers also found 14.25 pounds of fentanyl powder and 12.55 pounds of cocaine in the cab of the truck.

Eduardo A. Hernandez, 30, of Nogales, Arizona was arrested and booked into the Pima County jail.

Hernandez faces numerous charges including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale, possession and transportation of a dangerous drug for sale, and 14 counts of endangerment.

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.

12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.

We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.

12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.

Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.