A traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to the seizure of approximately 4 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and a loaded handgun, according to the California Highway Patrol Coalinga area office.

CHP officers conducted an enforcement stop at about 10:09 a.m. on a Kia Forte for vehicle code violations on Interstate 5. During the stop, the officer observed what authorities described as “factors and tradecraft indicators consistent with criminal activity,” prompting a probable cause search of the vehicle.

Inside the car, officers found a brown bag on the floorboard behind the right rear passenger seat containing approximately 4 kilograms of suspected fentanyl. A loaded Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun was also discovered under the driver’s seat, authorities said.

The driver was arrested at the scene. The suspected narcotics were turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team for further investigation.

The suspect was booked into the Kings County Jail on multiple charges, including possession of narcotics for sale, transportation of narcotics for sale, transportation for sale across noncontiguous counties, and possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 4 kilograms of fentanyl powder can have the potential to kill between 1.8 million and 3.6 million people, depending on potency.

Authorities estimated the street value of the seized fentanyl at approximately $400,000.

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