Contributed Photo: This photo shows methamphetamine previously seized. The DPS sent out a release Thursday regarding the seizure of more than 50 pounds of meth near Payson.
Contributed Article
PAYSON – An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper seized 56.5 pounds of meth after pulling over a vehicle June 5 on State Route 87 near Payson. Roughly 4.3 grams of marijuana, a handgun and more than $1,000 in cash were also seized.
State detectives took disposition of the investigation and seized the contraband. The street value of the meth is $2.5 million, making it one of the largest meth seizures in Gila County’s history.
The driver, Nicholas Y. Quezada, 24, and two passengers, Cheyanne Silco, 20, and Cesar A. Huerta, 20, all of Hobbs, New Mexico, were booked into the Gila County Jail on charges of possession of a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug for sale, transportation of a dangerous drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Huerta was also booked on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a deadly weapon.
“This is one of the largest methamphetamine seizures to occur in Gila County and will make an impact on the distribution of this type of dangerous drug throughout the country,” said AZDPS Major George Manera. “We are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs in Arizona, no matter what area it occurs in.”
