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

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 7 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)

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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.

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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.