Merced CHP Officers Reportedly Discover Over 150 Pounds of Fentanyl Pills Hidden in Truck Tire
Above: Suspected narcotics hidden in tire
All photos courtesy of Merced CHP
On September 8, California Highway Patrol officers made a significant drug seizure during a routine traffic stop along I-5 in Fresno County.
According to a press release by the Merced CHP, officers apprehended 27-year-old Carlos Jordan Lopez of SeaTac, Washington, and reportedly confiscated over 150 pounds of narcotics with an estimated street value of approximately $7.3 million.
The events began when a Central Valley CHP K-9 officer pulled over a 2013 Camry for a traffic violation on northbound I-5 at Shields Avenue at around 4 PM. During the initial contact, the officer noted “suspicious behavior” by the vehicle’s occupant that warranted probable cause for further investigation.
Upon conducting a search of the Camry, officers discovered a large truck tire in the vehicle’s trunk. This tire was found to be exceptionally heavy, prompting suspicion that it was being used to transport illegal contraband. Officers examined the tire and discovered 107 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills disguised as Oxycodone, totaling 485,340 pills. Officers also located around 45 pounds of cocaine concealed in the trunk compartment of the vehicle.
Lopez was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of cocaine and fentanyl for sale, as well as transportation of narcotics across noncontiguous counties. The case has since been handed over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team.
