Calexico

U.S. agents seized 487 pounds of cocaine Thursday in a pickup truck crossing into the United States at Calexico, officials of the U. S. Customs Service said Friday.

Two Mexicans were arrested.

It was one of the largest recent cocaine seizures at the California-Mexico border. On May 2, authorities seized 475 pounds of cocaine at the San Ysidro inspection station. An additional 402 pounds was discovered at San Ysidro on Sept. 13.

During fiscal 1988, U. S. customs inspectors in San Diego and Imperial counties seized more than 11,000 pounds of cocaine.

The Mexican men arrested were identified as Fernando Alvarado Gonzalez, 30, and Juan Manuel Lopez Zazueta, 26, whose addresses were not available. Both were being held at the Calexico City Jail pending their appearance before a U. S. magistrate.

Officials said both men would be charged with importing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. They could face up to life in jail.

The drug was discovered Thursday afternoon packed in kilo bricks and concealed in several areas of the vehicle, including a compartment behind the driver’s seat, in the door, in side panels, the tailgate and in the bed.