$3 MILLION IN COCAINE FOUND IN VAN.

Byline: Josh Kleinbaum Staff Writer

LAPD officers who pulled over a speeding motorist on the San Diego Freeway found more than 70 pounds of cocaine valued at $3 million inside the van, authorities said Wednesday.

Warren Dey, 38, a Canadian citizen, was arrested about noon Tuesday on suspicion of transporting narcotics, officials said. He was being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

``It was pretty nifty,'' said Los Angeles police Capt. Joseph Curreri. ``I was excited that we were able to take 27 kilos of cocaine off the street. That's a large quality of cocaine that could poison a lot of people.''

Officers Troy Pearson and Gregory Houser pulled over Dey's van after seeing him speeding and weaving in and out of traffic on the 118 and 405 freeways, officials said. When Dey gave officers a Canadian identification card, they ran his name through the department computer and determined that he had a suspended California driver's license.

The officers arrested Dey for driving with a suspended license, then inventoried his car. In the back of the van, they found a black duffel bag loaded with bricks of cocaine.

``They were pretty excited,'' Detective Rob Holcomb said. ``I've worked narcotics in the Valley for the last 16 years and this is the largest cocaine seizure I've seen at a traffic stop.''

The cocaine seized from Dey's car is worth about $3 million, but could be ``cut down'' - mixed with an inert substance - and sold for twice that, Holcomb said.

Dey told police he'd borrowed the van from his father, who lives in British Columbia, and was in the area visiting, Holcomb said.

``His story didn't make any sense,'' Holcomb said. ``That's a long drive to borrow (the van).

Josh Kleinbaum, [phone]

josh.kleinbaum(at)dailynews.com