A traffic stop on Interstate 40 just east of Holbrook last week resulted in two arrests and the seizure of drugs with a street value of $469,800 when sold by the gram. At 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, a Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Unit deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near milepost 291 on I-40, which led to the discovery of approximately 10 lbs. of methamphetamine values at $453,000 and a half-pound of cocaine valued at $16,800. The vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction. Upon speaking to the occupants inside the vehicle, the deputy suspected they might be involved in criminal activity. A drug detection canine was used on the vehicle and positively alerted to the odor of illegal drugs on the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, the deputy located the methamphetamine hidden inside of a wrapped Mother’s Day gift package. Jasmine Bustamonte-Castro, 19, and Alejandro Luis Ruiz, 33, were each arrested for transportation of dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, transportation of a narcotic drug, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of a narcotic drug, misconduct involving weapons and forgery. Both suspects were booked into the Navajo County Jail in Holbrook, where they are being held on $120,000 secured bonds.
