California: Five-year-old Boy Tests Positive for Cocaine

A five-year-old boy from California has been found with cocaine in his system, after police discovered him in his parents' car next to 200 grams of the drug.

Parents Marco and Sandy Cuevas were stopped by police on Friday in Moorpark, southern California.

The drugs were found in the car, alongside $10,000 (£6,160) of suspected drug money. Their child, who has not been named by police, was tested for the drug and the results showed he was positive for cocaine, though he did not require medical attention.

His mother's sister told American news channel KTLA that she did not believe the boy could have taken the drug, saying her sister was "the perfect mum".

Neighbours are reported to have told the channel that the couple have three children and are pregnant with their fourth.

All three children have been taken into protective custody after a search of their home uncovered hundreds of prescription-drug pills, several pounds of marijuana and a further $75,000 (£46,000) in cash, plus 16 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.

The pair have been charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, possession of cocaine for sale, and child endangerment.