At approximately 5:25 a.m., on Sunday, July 13, a deputy with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 eastbound near mile marker 291, just outside of Holbrook. During the stop, the deputy observed signs that the vehicle’s occupants may be involved in criminal activity.
While speaking with the passenger, the deputy observed multiple open containers of alcohol in the vehicle. Both occupants were detained and a probable cause search was conducted. The search led to the discovery of an additional partially consumed alcoholic beverage in the center console. Both individuals were placed under arrest for having open containers of alcohol in a vehicle. Further search of the vehicle revealed a small bag containing a white crystalline substance inside the passenger’s purse, along with approximately 14.6 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle. The estimated street value of the illegal narcotics is nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The suspects were transported to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office in Holbrook for processing. Upon arrival, it was discovered that both had attempted to destroy and hide evidence in the back of the patrol vehicle. Santos Ricardo Martinez, 61, and Christina Nichole Martinez, 35, both of New Mexico, were arrested for transportation of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs and tampering with physical evidence. Additionally, Christina will face an added charge of promoting prison contraband after personal use methamphetamine was located hidden on her body, in an attempt to conceal it. Both suspects were booked into the Navajo County Jail.
This case is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit to combat the transportation of illegal narcotics. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the public and working with regional partners to keep local roadways and neighborhoods safe.
