Globe Miami Times Connecting you to the Pulse of Globe Miami
GILA COUNTY- Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to release the following information regarding the seizure of approximately 3.92 pounds of Black Tar Heroin from a traffic stop on Hwy 87 MP 250 in Payson, AZ.
On March 31, 2017, at approximately 6:36 a.m., a Detective from the Gila County Drug, Gang, and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 87 MP 250. During the investigation, a task force canine was deployed and alerted to the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in Black Tar Heroin weighing approximately 3.92 pounds were located in a hidden compartment within the vehicle. The vehicle along with $426.00 in U.S. Currency was seized as part of the investigation. Street Value of the Heroin seized is estimated at approximately $222,025. As a result of the investigation:
Jorge Gerardo Villaegas, age 22, of Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, Transportation of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Maribel Benavidez, age 35, of Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, Transportation of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing an aggressive stance on the drug problems that impact our communities. “This is a perfect example of the valuable team our Deputy and K-9 make, working together to take such a dangerous substance off the street and out of our community” said Sheriff Shepherd.
Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to thank the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for their continued funding of the Gila County Drug, Gang, and Violent Crimes Task Force which makes operations such as this possible.
Guest Contributors include press releases, guest authors, and columnists who contribute less than 4 times a year.