Former MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza was arrested on drug charges Friday, and the details surrounding the arrest make it clear police were not dealing with an isolated incident.
According to information that has been released by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Loaiza was targeted as part of a drug-smuggling sting by the Border Crime Suppression Team. He was stopped on Feb. 9 for a minor traffic violation, and police discovered a “sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband,” per reports obtained by TMZ. That led to a warrant to search Loaiza’s home.
When police searched a home Loaiza has been renting since earlier in the month, they found 20 kilos — which is around 44 pounds — of cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs is $500,000. Perhaps the most disturbing part of the arrest is that Loaiza’s home is located just “steps away from an area preschool.”
Loaiza was booked on charges of possession of cocaine over 20 kilograms, possession of cocaine for sale, and transportation of cocaine. All three charges are felonies.
Loaiza played for eight MLB teams over 14 seasons and made around $40 million during his MLB career. It’s unclear how he could have found himself mixed up in a major drug operation. One report claims his late wife accused him of some financial shenanigans when she filed for divorce prior to dying in a plane crash.
