"Corrupt" truck drivers used by drug-smuggling ring

U.S. federal agents have busted a drug-trafficking ring with ties to a Mexican drug cartel that used commercial trucks to move methamphetamine and money between California and Colorado, according to a Chicago Tribune news report.

Last week, a federal grand jury in Denver indicted 22 persons in four states for drug trafficking and money laundering following an 18-month investigation by an organized crime strike force, law enforcement officials said.

Among them were "corrupt drivers" from a California trucking company that smugglers used to transport the drugs and illegal proceeds, according to a written statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver.

"In one instance, the money was hidden in a truck load of milk ... (the smugglers) also used other means to send money back to California, including one instance were a minor had cash strapped to his body as he was being driven to California," the statement said.

Agents seized 6 lbs of methamphetamine, more than $700,000 in cash, two tractor-trailers and a firearm in the probe.

Depending on each case, if convicted the defendants could get up to life in prison on the drug-trafficking charges, and up to 20 years on the money-laundering charges.