Driver arrested after seizing over 50 pounds of fentanyl

PHOENIX – Last week, a driver was arrested after an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer found over 50 pounds of fentanyl pills as the vehicle exited the Phoenix area.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was charged with possession and transportation of narcotics for sale and was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, according to DPS.

On August 14, an AZDPS officer stopped the driver of a Dodge Durango for a traffic violation as it was leaving Phoenix. During the stop, a drug detection dog was called to the vehicle and officers found approximately 50 pounds of fentanyl pills in a large carry-on bag inside the SUV.

The street value of the fentanyl is estimated at $500,000, according to DPS.

Investigators believe the drugs were transported from Phoenix to Houston.