Merced County CHP Traffic Stop Turns Into $1.2 Million Fentanyl Bust

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 9 months ago on

October 8, 2024

A California Highway Patrol K9 officer seized approximately 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills worth $1.2 million during a traffic stop on I-5 in Merced County, leading to the arrest of two men from Washington on multiple felony charges. (Instagram/CHP)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to a significant drug seizure by a California Highway Patrol Central Division K-9 officer, who confiscated approximately 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills valued at $1.2 million, the agency reported Tuesday on social media.

The stop resulted in the arrest of two men, aged 25 and 23, both from Washington state.

During the stop, authorities found the fentanyl pills, which are known for their potency and potential lethality.

The suspects now face multiple felony charges, including possession of fentanyl for sale, transportation of fentanyl across non-contiguous counties, and possession of fentanyl while armed, according to authorities.

Additional charges include possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a concealed gun in a vehicle.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, two other men from Washington were arrested on I-5 in Fresno County for having about 15 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Hawaiian Airlines Hit by Cyber Attack

DON'T MISS

US House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

DON'T MISS

Convicted Felon Caught With Guns, Ammunition in Fresno Bust

DON'T MISS

Fresno Advocates Want Respect for Immigrants, Defend Miguel Arias

DON'T MISS

Crypto Industry Moves Into US Housing Market

DON'T MISS

Bill Moyers, Broadcaster and LBJ’s White House Press Secretary, Dies at 91

DON'T MISS

Trump Says a Deal Related to Trade Was Signed With China on Wednesday

DON'T MISS

Clovis Police Searching for At-Risk Missing Man Last Seen in Fresno

DON'T MISS

State Department Approves $30 Million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

DON'T MISS

Wonderdog Still Barking: Justin Wilson Thrives With Boston Red Sox

UP NEXT

US House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

UP NEXT

Convicted Felon Caught With Guns, Ammunition in Fresno Bust

UP NEXT

Fresno Advocates Want Respect for Immigrants, Defend Miguel Arias

UP NEXT

Crypto Industry Moves Into US Housing Market

UP NEXT

Bill Moyers, Broadcaster and LBJ’s White House Press Secretary, Dies at 91

UP NEXT

Trump Says a Deal Related to Trade Was Signed With China on Wednesday

UP NEXT

Clovis Police Searching for At-Risk Missing Man Last Seen in Fresno

UP NEXT

State Department Approves $30 Million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

UP NEXT

Anna Wintour to Step Down From Vogue Editor-in-Chief Role, Media Reports Say

UP NEXT

Feds Charge Bullard High Teacher With Child Porn, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.