Narcotics detectives in Fresno County have arrested Jose Araujo-Valenzuela of Sinaloa, Mexico, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of $1 million worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine. (Fresno County SO)
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Narcotics detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have arrested Jose Araujo-Valenzuela, 21, of Sinaloa, Mexico, on two felony charges of possession of narcotics for sale and one felony charge for using a false compartment.
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Araujo-Valenzuela is being held in the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $230,000.
On Tuesday, detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling along Interstate 5 in Fresno County. K-9 “Gere” detected the scent of drugs, leading to a vehicle search.
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Detectives discovered two dozen packages containing 240,000 fentanyl-laced pills, commonly known as M-30s, and one kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of cocaine. The total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $1 million.
This quantity of narcotics is indicative of drug trafficking organization activity, officials said. The case is being submitted for potential federal prosecution.
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Got a Tip?
Anyone with information on illegal drug activity is encouraged to report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or emailing drugtip@fresnosheriff.org.
Additionally, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Callers will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.