Photo: scenes from this arrest
Originally published as a Merced CHP Facebook post –
“After making an enforcement stop on a blue 2019 Ford F150 Raptor for a violation of 26708(a)1 (obstructed view) and 21703 (following too close) of the California Vehicle Code, a California Highway Patrol Officer noticed tradecraft that led him to believe the driver was engaged in criminal activity.
The officer obtained consent to search the vehicle and CHP K9 Officer “Bruce” was asked to sniff the Ford and alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the Ford revealed approximately 37 pounds of pills suspected to be fentanyl. The packages were hidden in plastic containers located in the back seat.
The driver and passenger were taken into custody for a violation of 11351 (possession of narcotics for sale) and 11352(a)(b) (transporting narcotics across noncontiguous counties) of the Health and Safety Code.
Information from this arrest was provided to Tulare County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Team (HIDTA) for further investigation.
Officers believe this is the second largest fentanyl bust in the valley. The first being another CHP K9 Officer you may be familiar with.
Great job Bruce!”
