Deputies find 4.4 pounds of meth during traffic stop near Stanfield

Deputies found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine during a traffic stop last week near Stanfield, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office officials said.

According to a press release, a deputy stopped a tractor-trailer around 3:45 p.m. Feb. 22 for a safety inspection on westbound Interstate 8 south of Stanfield. During the stop, a check showed the trailer had been stolen in Phoenix. A search of the truck uncovered two packages that a Border Patrol K-9 unit confirmed contained narcotics. A later test identified that the packages contained about 2 kilograms, or 4.4 pounds, of methamphetamine.

The sheriff’s office said the estimated street value of the seized methamphetamine was $1.5 million. However, information from the Drug Enforcement Administration suggests the price for methamphetamine ranges from $18,000 and $54,000 per pound, which would put the total value of the seizure between $80,000 and $238,000.

The driver of the truck, Enrique Barrera Madrid, 46, was arrested and is being charged with possession of stolen property, possession of a dangerous drug and transportation of a dangerous drug for sale. He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Photos submitted by Pinal County Sheriff’s Office