On Wednesday, June 12, a traffic stop on Interstate 40 resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl pills. According to a press release by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, the criminal interdiction unit conducted a stop for civil traffic violations at exit 283 near Holbrook. After becoming suspicious of criminal activity, K-9 Zolton was deployed to perform a free air sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert. While searching the vehicle, a large suitcase containing blue M30 fentanyl pills was located. The total weight of the pills was 82 pounds, or approximately 371,460 pills, with an estimated street value of nearly $1.9 million.
Hugo Moreno-Carnargo, 36, of Mexico and Yolanda Ortiz-Montelongo, 38, of Phoenix, were each arrested for transportation of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of a narcotic drug for sale and possession of a narcotic drug. Both Moreno-Carnargo and Ortiz-Montelongo were booked into the Navajo County Jail.
