-from kansascity.com-

KANSAS CITY, KAN. | After one of the biggest cocaine seizures in Kansas history, a federal jury has found Nestor Ramirez, 28, of New Brighton, Minn., guilty of drug charges.

The Franklin County sheriff’s office seized 550 pounds of cocaine in October 2007 after a deputy stopped a truck carrying Ramirez and another man on Interstate 35. Authorities had received information about a Georgia traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of more than $3 million, hidden in an electronically operated compartment in a truck. Several such vehicles were believed to be operating for the purpose of carrying cash and drugs.

Ramirez was convicted Wednesday of one count each of conspiracy and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Last week, a judge found co-defendant Manuel Barraza-Martinez guilty of the same charges.