x
Breaking News
More () »

Former Ranger Esteban Loaiza arrested with over 40 pounds of narcotics

Esteban Loaiza, a Ranger from 1998-2001, was booked into jail on felony drug charges Friday in San Diego.
Credit: Stephen Dunn
26 Aug 1998: Pitcher Estaban Loaiza #25 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch during a game against the Detroit Tigers at The BallPark in Arlington, Texas. Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Esteban Loaiza, who played three seasons with the Texas Rangers, was arrested Friday in San Diego for possession of over 40 pounds of heroin or cocaine.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said in a press release Monday morning that Loaiza was arrested as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. He was driving a vehicle that police believed was being used to smuggle drugs and was pulled over for a minor traffic infraction, according to the release.

During a search of the vehicle, police found a "sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband."

A subsequent search of a home leased to Loaiza led to the discovery of about 20 kilograms (or 44 pounds) of cocaine valued at approximately $500,000, according to the release. The home is "just steps away" from a preschool, according to police.

Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan posted part of a police report to Twitter Monday morning, showing Loaiza was booked into jail around 6 p.m. Friday evening for possession of 20 kilos of heroin or cocaine and two other narcotics charges.

He was being held on $200,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to face the felony charges, according to the police report.

Loaiza, 46, posted a 17-17 record and a 5.19 ERA with the Rangers between 1998-2001. Most notably for Rangers fans, though, is the fact that Loaiza was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 19, 2000 for two minor league players -- one of whom was Michael Young.

Young would go on to become the Rangers’ all-time leader in games played (1,823), hits (2,230), total bases (3,286) and several other offensive categories.

The trade has been dubbed the worst in Blue Jays history, and, obviously, one of the best for the Rangers franchise.

Loaiza allegedly became a drug kingpin despite making almost $44 million over a 14-year MLB career that ended in 2008. He pitched for the Pirates, Rangers, White Sox, Blue Jays, Athletics, Dodgers, Nationals and Yankees.

Before You Leave, Check This Out