About $8,000 of cocaine was seized during a traffic stop Tuesday on Interstate 24 by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office's Interstate Crime Enforcement Unit.

Driver Jermias Posadas, 28, and Miguel Costa-Garfio, 28, both of Fresno, Calif., and Fredy Alberto Lopez-Martinez, 30, of Santa Barbara, Calif., were charged with felony possession of cocaine by ICE Deputy Travis Perusse, said ICE Sgt. Shawn Applegate.

During the stop, deputies learned the suspects were traveling from California to Atlanta to Miami. They obtained permission to search the vehicle. Deputies found the cocaine in a hidden location in the engine compartment.

"This is just another example of drugs being transported from one side of the country to another," Sgt. Applegate said. "Due to our region in Middle Tennessee with all interstates crossing, we have a large portion of activity that moves through Middle Tennessee to other destinations."

None of the occupants claimed knowledge or ownership of the cocaine.

All three men were booked into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where they are being held on $10,000 bond. A hearing is set Monday in General Sessions Court.