Man accused of trafficking fentanyl and meth from Phoenix to New Mexico arrested

An Arizona man described by New Mexico authorities as a “career criminal” and a “significant threat” to public safety because of alleged fentanyl trafficking was taken into custody Thursday, according to the Catron County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason Tobey was wanted in Catron County, New Mexico, on fentanyl trafficking allegations after he was arrested there in March, authorities said. During that arrest, deputies said they found him with 75 tablets that later tested positive for fentanyl.

The sheriff’s office said Tobey also had multiple warrants across Arizona, including in Maricopa, Apache, Navajo, Yavapai and Coconino counties.

New Mexico authorities said they worked with Arizona law enforcement and determined Tobey was bringing methamphetamine and fentanyl into New Mexico from the Phoenix area.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers later found Tobey at a residence in southwest Eagar, a town in Apache County near the New Mexico border, according to the Catron County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said Tobey fled from DPS in a vehicle, but troopers stopped him.

In addition to the existing cases in Arizona and New Mexico, he now faces charges of evading with a motor vehicle and possession of methamphetamine and heroin related to his arrest Thursday.

A DPS trooper, who has not been identified, was injured while confronting Tobey, the Catron County Sheriff’s Office said.

“In the course of his duties, the trooper sustained injuries and was transported for medical treatment. We are grateful to report that he was treated and released from the hospital. His professionalism, courage and willingness to place himself in harm’s way exemplify the highest traditions of law enforcement service,” the office said in a July 31 statement.

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