By Tracie Sullivan
A traffic stop on Interstate 15 led to the arrest of two men last week after Utah Highway Patrol troopers allegedly discovered over 21 pounds of fentanyl in their vehicle.
Omar Torres-Arroyo, 21, and Erick Arredondo, 19, were both arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, a second-degree felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor.
Torres-Arroyo also received citations for several vehicle infractions: window tint violation, brake light/reflector violations, driving without a license, and failure to display a license plate. The window tint was measured at 17%, below the legal limit, and Torres-Arroyo did not have a valid driver’s license.
According to the affidavit filed in 5th District Court in support of the charges, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper pulled over the vehicle at approximately 7:34 a.m. Tuesday near milepost 59 for multiple issues, including window tint darker than the legal limit, an obscured third brake light, and an improperly affixed license plate.
The suspects also gave conflicting accounts of their travel plans, raising police suspicions, court records state.
Initially, Torres-Arroyo allegedly told the officer he was en route to visit his girlfriend in Salt Lake City but was uncertain about the specific location. However, his narrative later changed, mentioning a visit to his father in addition to his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Arredondo’s version of their travel itinerary didn’t align with Torres-Arroyo’s.
The conflicting statements furthered the trooper’s suspicion, prompting him to request a search of the vehicle. The suspects denied consent.
The trooper then directed his police service dog to conduct an “air sniff” scan around the exterior of the vehicle. Subsequently, the dog alerted authorities to the potential presence of drugs. In response, officers carried out a thorough search, discovering 21.3 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed within various compartments inside the car.
Sources estimate that 21.3 pounds of fentanyl equates to approximately 96,618 pills. With the current street price ranging from $0.50 to $1 per pill, the total value of the seized fentanyl is estimated to be between $48,309 and $96,618.
In the affidavit statements, the trooper emphasized the significant danger he perceived both Torres-Arroyo and Arredondo posed to the community, citing their alleged intent to deliver the fentanyl to the Salt Lake area as the basis for his concern. The statement also pointed to the men’s lack of ties to the area and the likelihood of them fleeing if released on bail.
Both suspects remain in custody at the Iron County Jail as the investigation continues.