This week, a traffic stop at Main Street and Hwy 87 in Payson by a Gila County Sheriff’s deputies that resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs.
Deputies conducted the traffic stop on a black Jeep Grand Cherokee in Payson, for a civil traffic violation at approximately 3:20 a.m. Upon contact with the driver, indications of criminal behavior were observed, and a search was conducted.
Deputies located approximately 35 pounds of blue pills suspected of being fentanyl, one pound of a white powder suspected of being cocaine, and small amount of crystalline substance suspected of being methamphetamine.
Carlos Higueera Rivera, age 27 was booked into the Gila County Jail on the following charges:
• Possession of Narcotic Drug, Possession of Narcotic Drug for sale, Transportation of Narcotic Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Firearm in commission of Drug Offense
Juan Jose Haro Aranda, age 23 was booked into the Gila County Jail on the following charges:
• Possession of Narcotic Drug, Possession of Narcotic Drug for sale, Transportation of Narcotic Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Dangerous Drugs