PINAL COUNTY — A Rio Rico woman, Stephanie Sanchez, is in custody after she was caught smuggling an estimated 46 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the 37-year-old Sanchez was pulled over near Eloy, Arizona for equipment and vehicle insurance violations.
During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed “inconsistencies,” which led to a search of the vehicle. The deputy discovered two hidden compartments which contained 42 plastic wrapped bundles of methamphetamine.
“Our K-9 Unit did a fantastic job on this stop. Ninety percent of all meth used in the United States is made in super labs in Mexico. The Cartel is making billions off this dangerous drugs, and the American people are paying the price. And I’m not just talking about what it does to users and their families,” said Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. “The total cost of meth to communities across our country is estimated at $23 billion to cover the criminal justice system, medical care and emergency room visits, dental care, first responders and
social services.”
Sanchez was charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, and transportation of dangerous drugs.