San Diego

Federal drug agents in San Diego arrested a Colombian man and seized more than 15 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1.5 million, on Wednesday, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said.

Two DEA undercover agents arrested Jorge Hernandez, 27, also known as Steve Gomez, and four others after they allegedly delivered cocaine to the agents in the parking lot of a Mission Valley hotel, DEA spokesman Ronald D’Ulisse said.

Hernandez is suspected of being a major cocaine trafficker in Colombia, D’Ulisse said Thursday. DEA agents and Los Angeles police arrested Hernandez in May after he allegedly delivered 10 pounds of cocaine to undercover agents. D’Ulisse said that Hernandez was free on bail in that case when he was arrested Wednesday.

Arrested along with Hernandez were Souheil Oueis, 38, of Van Nuys; Joann Sabetta, 43, of Tarzana; Margaret Eves, 25, of Van Nuys, and Anthony Melillo, 48, of Tarzana.

Hernandez, Oueis and Sabetta were charged with possession of cocaine and possession with intent to sell the drug.

Melillo, who D’Ulisse said was armed with a handgun, was charged with possession of a firearm and conspiracy to sell cocaine.

All were being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, D’Ulisse said.