On June 1, 2023, at approximately 9:30 am, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Interdiction Unit, with assistance of United States Border Patrol, conducted a traffic stop on Eastbound I-10 in Mobile County.
The Ford Expedition was driven by Melissa Dufour (DOB 11/25/1986) of Miramar, Florida, and the passenger was identified as Racquelle Anteola (DOB 6/28/1988) of Van Nuys, California. Both females stated the they were enrolee from Houston, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia.
During a roadside interview, both females had conflicting stories of their travel plans. MCSO narcotics K9 was deployed and gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics.
MCSO Deputies then conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered several hidden traps in the floorboard and side walls that contained over 217 pounds (85 kilos) of suspected cocaine.
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Detectives, along with Agents from the Department of Homeland Security, responded to the location and took over the investigation.
DUFOR and ANTEOLA were transported and booked in Mobile County Metro Jail on state charges Trafficking Cocaine. The estimated street value of the cocaine that was discovered is approximately $2.1 million dollars.
This investigation is currently ongoing in cooperation with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Department of Homeland Security, and United States Border Patrol.
“We are sending a clear message, we are looking for those who are trafficking drugs to our area and will do everything in our power to stop you from bringing it here,” said Sheriff Paul Burch