DPS finds batches of fentanyl pills during Arizona traffic stop

PHOENIX — An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper discovered large batches of fentanyl pills during a traffic stop earlier this week, authorities said.

A trooper stopped a Honda Civic driver driving east on the Interstate 40 near Holbrook, according to a social media post.

While the trooper talked to the driver, 50-year-old Michael Oyson, they saw some “indicators of criminal activities,” according to the AZ DPS announcement.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, an #AZTrooper stopped the driver of a Honda Civic for moving & non-moving violations on I-40 EB at mp 293, near Holbrook. During the traffic stop, indicators of criminal activity were observed. A canine from Winslow PD was asked to assist & alerted to the car. pic.twitter.com/pBEcGwz8Hw— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) August 4, 2023

With the help of a police dog from the Winslow Police Department, troopers discovered a hidden trove of drugs.

While searching the vehicle, they found around 34 pounds of fentanyl pills, AZ DPS said.

Officials booked Oyson into jail on multiple drug-related charges.

The city of Holbrook is around 186 miles north of Phoenix.