Traffic stop leads to largest meth seizure in Arizona DPS history
Jan 28, 2020, 4:55 AM | Updated: 8:18 am
(Arizona DPS Photo)
(Arizona DPS Photo)
PHOENIX — A traffic stop on Friday ended in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Arizona Department of Public Safety history, just one of two high-dollar busts on the same day.
According to authorities, 362 pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $4.1 million was found after a car was stopped by a trooper on Interstate 15, just south of Littlefield.
Burlington, Iowa resident Julie Jeannie Mason, 52, and her 38-year-old husband Maurius Montez Mason, of Peoria, Illinois, were both arrested for possession of a dangerous drug and transportation of a dangerous drug.
In a press conference on Monday, Director of Arizona DPS Col. Frank Milstead said the couple was likely on their way back to Chicago where the meth would be “probably worth two to three times” the amount in Arizona.
BREAKING: @Arizona_DPS announces 362-lb. methamphetamine bust, the largest in his agency's history. @frank_milstead says it was worth $4.1 million. He's thankful trooper wasn't hurt when he made the arrest. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/vqMse4J4SO
— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) January 27, 2020
Milstead was thankful the trooper — who he said stopped the car solo — was not hurt.
The two suspects were booked into Mesquite, Nevada, police detention.
Another stop, meanwhile, on Interstate 10 near McCartney Road resulted in a trooper locating 88 pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $998,000.
Roxana Juarez, 26, and Jesus Valenzuela, 22, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, were both arrested for possession of a dangerous drug and booked into the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office jail in Florence.
