SAN DIEGO — Former Pirates pitcher Esteban Loaiza has been arrested on suspicion of trafficking drugs after packages containing a white powder believed to be cocaine were found at a home he rented in Southern California, officials said Monday.
The 46-year-old former big leaguer was booked Friday on charges involving the possession, transport and sale of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of suspected cocaine worth an estimated $500,000, according to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
Loaiza played for numerous teams in his career. He broke into the majors with the Pirates in 1995 and pitched for the team until 1998.