COLD SPRING — Police say employees at Cold Spring area business have discovered cocaine hidden in a wooden pallet.

The workers noticed the drug when the pallet was accidentally damaged during handling.

On Thursday the business contacted Cold Spring police, who notified the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force.

The pallet was dismantled, and several plastic bags of cocaine were found in hollowed-out boards.

Authorities found a total of 16 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of up to $700,000.