BRONX, New York (WABC) – A storage compartment on the back of a semi-trailer parked in the Bronx contained 360 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $4.5 million, the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Drug Enforcement said Wednesday as it announced the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers.

The cocaine was packaged in 163 individual kilogram packages. The seizure is one of the largest in recent years and, according to authorities, reflects an increase in cocaine smuggling into New York City.

“This is a dangerous and disturbing trend, especially as we see drugs like fentanyl and xylazine being sold on the street mixed with cocaine,” said Special Drug Attorney Bridget Brennan.

On Saturday, federal drug agents spotted a black Maxx-D trailer pulling over on 233rd Street in the Bronx.

Moments later, a gray Jeep Cherokee arrived at the same location carrying Jeffrey Alcantara, a suspected drug dealer from New York City.

According to prosecutors, Alcantara got out of the Jeep and approached the trailer, where he spoke with two men, Karimzhan Ragibov and Rayimzhon Binaliyev. All three men are now charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance.

DEA agents and NYPD officers searched the Jeep and found $30,000 in cash.

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