Photo courtesy of the Navajo County Sheriff’s OfficeNCSO K-9 Kilo’s sharp senses led to the discovery of an estimated $400,000 in drugs during a traffic stop.
Photo courtesy of the Navajo County Sheriff’s OfficeNCSO K-9 Kilo’s sharp senses led to the discovery of an estimated $400,000 in drugs during a traffic stop.

On June 16, a Navajo County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 at Milepost 286 on the eastbound on-ramp, in Holbrook for a registration violation. During the stop, the deputy observed indications of criminal activity and requested the assistance of the NCSO K9 Unit. NCSO K9 Kilo arrived at the scene and performed a free-air sniff of the vehicle with a positive alert. The two occupants of the vehicle, Levi Smith, 32, and Jennifer Ortega-Salazar, 23, both of Pueblo, Colo., fled on foot into the City of Holbrook and were pursued by the deputies. Ortega-Salazar refused to comply with the deputy’s commands and was taken into custody after a short chase and was tased. Smith was taken into custody after being located hiding under a porch of a residence approximately a half mile from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed over 20,000 fentanyl pills, over 12 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly two pounds of heroin. The estimated street value of these illicit drugs is close to $400,000. Both Ortega-Salazar and Smith were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, transportation and/or sale of a narcotic drug, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of a narcotic drug, transportation and/or sale of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs. In addition, Ortega-Salazar is also being held on two outstanding Colorado arrest warrants. Both suspects were booked into the Navajo County Jail and are being held on a $420,792 bond.