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Traffic Stop in Merced County Leads to $3.5 Million Narcotics Seizure, Arrest
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 6 months ago on
March 24, 2026

A traffic stop in Merced County led to the seizure of more than $3.5 million in suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with a loaded handgun, and the arrest of a driver on multiple charges. (CHP)

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A traffic stop in Merced County on Monday led to the seizure of more than $3.5 million worth of suspected narcotics and the arrest of a driver, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A Central Division K-9 officer conducted the stop and observed indicators of criminal activity during the contact. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the officer deployed K-9 Shei, who alerted to the presence of narcotics.

A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 61 pounds of suspected cocaine, five pounds of suspected fentanyl, and a loaded handgun, authorities said.

The driver was taken into custody and booked into the Merced County Jail on multiple narcotics and weapons-related charges.

The case has been turned over to a regional narcotics task force for further investigation.

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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.
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