240M IN COCAINE SEIZED IN N.J.

TOTOWA, N.J. (AP) A 2,500-pound shipment of pure cocaine with a street value
of $240 million was seized from boxes of frozen cauliflower, state police
said Wednesday.

Seven men arrested this week in New Jersey, New York and Texas remained in
custody, said Col. Carl A. Williams, state police superintendent.

Law officers got information on Jan. 19 that a Texas man would be receiving
a large shipment of cocaine and began 24-hour surveillance of him as he
traveled between New Jersey and New York, Williams said.

Authorities believe the cocaine is from Colombia but would not speculate on
the producing cartel.

The cauliflower was in a shipment of other frozen vegetables that was
brought from a warehouse in Hidalgo, Texas, to Secaucus by an independent
trucker who was not aware of what was in his cargo, Williams said.