Contributed Photo/Courtesy DPS: A DPS trooper located 47 pounds of heroin during a traffic stop on an SUV that was eastbound on Interstate 40 on its way to Oklahoma.
Staff Reports
HOLBROOK – An Arizona Department of Safety (DPS) trooper seized 47.2 pounds of black tar heroin Aug. 15 during a traffic stop on Interstate 40.
According to a DPS press release, the trooper stopped a 2007 Nissan Armada for failure to signal a lane change and excessive window tint as it traveled eastbound on I-40 near Holbrook.
A DPS K9 was brought to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. The subsequent search located 47.2 pounds of black tar heroin with a street value of approximately $630,000.
Two occupants were in the car. The driver, Loreto E. Meza, 24, and passenger, Francisca Meza Aramburo, 43, both of Phoenix, were arrested and booked into the Navajo County Jail on charges of transportation of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, and possession of a narcotic drug. The release stated the pair were traveling from Phoenix to Oklahoma and that additional charges are pending.
“This is excellent work by our troopers,” said DPS Colonel Frank Milstead. “Interstate 40 is known to be used frequently by drug couriers trying to get their product to the east and west coast(s). Taking this dangerous drug off the streets helps to ensure the safety of communities everywhere. Troopers will be continually vigilant as we deter and dismantle criminal drug smuggling statewide.”
