CHP K-9 officer discovers $163K in fentanyl during traffic stop

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A California Highway Patrol K-9 serviceman recovered astir six pounds of fentanyl pulverization during a postulation halt connected Interstate 5 successful Fresno County. 

The California Highway Patrol said a CHP K-9 serviceman stopped a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox for a postulation usurpation connected northbound I-5 and Nees Avenue. 

During the stop, they recovered drugs, with an estimated thoroughfare worth of astir $163,000, resulting successful the apprehension of Uriel Hurtado Mercado, 35, of Humptulips, Washington. 

After receiving written consent to hunt the Chevrolet, CHP says the serviceman deployed his canine partner, “Shei,” and received a affirmative alert to the odor of narcotics wrong the vehicle. 

During the search, the serviceman said helium recovered 3 square-shaped packages with astir six pounds of fentanyl hidden successful a earthy void of the near rear 4th panel. 

The driver, Hurtado Mercado, was arrested and subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail connected the charges of suspicion of possession of fentanyl for merchantability and proscription of fentanyl crossed noncontiguous counties, CHP said.