Three Arizona men were arrested Friday on U.S. Interstate 80 in possession of more than nine pounds of fentanyl and three loaded handguns.
David R. Velasquez, 31, of 622 N. 10th Ave., Phoenix, was charged with two counts of controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp, keeping premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation and felon in possession of a firearm.
Christopher A. Carmelo, 25, of 2541 N. 41st Ave., Phoenix, was charged with controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp, keeping premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons.
Luis Angel Ramos Gonzalez, 19, of 3706 W. Carter Road, Phoenix, was charged with controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp, keeping premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons.
The incident began about 1:15 p.m. Friday on eastbound U.S. Interstate 80 near the 106 mile marker, where an Iowa State Patrol Trooper stopped a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup for excessively dark windows.
The trooper made contact with Velasquez, the driver, who was determined to be the subject of an active arrest warrant out of Washington state.
A probable-cause search of the vehicle disclosed “approximately 4,114 grams of fentanyl pills,” according to court records. The drugs were hidden “in the tailgate of the pickup.”
In addition, “three loaded handguns” were found, including two “in the front glove compartment” and one “in the rear passenger compartment.”
“One pound of raw marijuana was located underneath the rear passenger seat, behind the driver seat,” according to court records.
Velasquez is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
Carmelo is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.
Gonzalez is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.
All three suspects are scheduled for preliminary hearings Oct. 24 in Dallas County District Court.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
