Eagle County, CO (MSN) – A major drug trafficking operation was disrupted along I-70 after law enforcement intercepted a pickup truck carrying over 43 pounds of methamphetamine. The Gore Range Narcotic Interdiction Team Task Force (GRANITE) spearheaded the bust, continuing its efforts to combat illegal drug activity in the region.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Discovery

On the morning of March 19, an Eagle County Sheriff’s deputy noticed a white pickup truck drifting onto the rumble strip while traveling at approximately 82 mph. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, originally suspecting a routine speeding violation.

However, relying on training and instincts, the deputy sensed irregularities in the driver’s behavior and called for further inspection. A K9 unit was deployed, and the trained dog signaled the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle, giving officers probable cause to conduct a thorough search.

Methamphetamine Found Hidden in Vehicle

During the search, authorities uncovered 21 bundles of a substance that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine, with a total weight of 43.62 pounds. The driver, a 41-year-old from Sinaloa, was immediately taken into custody on multiple felony drug trafficking charges.

The suspect is being held at the Eagle County Detention Facility on a $100,000 bond.

Authorities Respond to the Drug Seizure

In a statement, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office commended the GRANITE task force for its commitment to keeping the community safe.

“We take pride in our GRANITE team’s dedication to safeguarding Eagle County from narcotics. Their vigilance and expertise disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and hold offenders accountable, making our community safer,” said the department.

The GRANITE task force is a multi-agency effort involving the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Vail Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies working together to combat drug trafficking.

Ongoing Efforts to Fight Drug Trafficking

This drug seizure marks another success for GRANITE in its mission to intercept illegal substances before they reach communities. Authorities urge anyone with information on drug-related activities to report it to local law enforcement.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.