Traffic stop on I-8 leads to 84 pounds of meth

Traffic stop on I-8 leads to 84 pounds of meth

by Connor Radnovich - Jun. 8, 2011 01:35 PM
Arizona Republic 12 News Breaking News Team

A traffic stop of a vehicle for an equipment violation in southwest Arizona this week led to the discovery and seizure of 84 pounds of methamphetamines, authorities said.

Officials said Wednesday that the meth had a street value of nearly $1.5 million.

State Department of Public Safety officers stopped the vehicle Monday on Interstate 8 near Tacna and became suspicious of the occupants - Adrian Olivas Salazar, 19, and Mark Anthony, 18. The officers asked to search the vehicle.

After receiving written consent, officers found 41 pounds of meth in the vehicle, according to DPS. Detectives were called in to investigate. Officer obtained a warrant to search the suspects' residence in San Luis. Another 43 pounds of meth were discovered there, authorities said.

"We're seeing more and more of it (meth) being smuggled into Arizona," said Bart Graves, spokesman for Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Salazar and Anthony were booked in the Yuma County Jail, according to DPS.

The seizure is the second major meth bust in less than a month. On May 10, officers confiscated 217 pounds of meth and four pounds of white heroin from a truck following a traffic stop. The drugs had a street value of almost $4 million, authorities said.

The suspects in that case also lived in San Luis.

Graves said that, if the current trend continues, they can "certainly" expect more similar busts.

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