A Chicago man faces four felony drug charges after Eagle County deputies discovered more than 23 pounds of cocaine in his car during a routine traffic stop.
Just after 8 p.m. last Wednesday, deputies pulled over 24-year-old Angel Gabriel Valadez of Chicago on Interstate 70 near Gypsum — about 25 miles east of Glenwood Springs — according to a news release from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.
Once Valadez pulled over, a deputy made contact and noted “several indicators of further criminal activity.” The sheriff’s department did not elaborate on what the indicators were.
After a drug-sniffing police dog alerted his partners, the deputies moved to search Valadez’s car, the news release stated.
Deputies discovered multiple rounds of ammunition — but no gun — alongside three phones and 10 brick-shaped packages that together weighed more than 23 pounds, the release stated. The packages tested presumptive positive for cocaine.
Related Articles
1 killed, 1 hospitalized in fatal Westminster crash Tuesday
Interstate 70 reopens between Parachute, Rifle after brush fire
Contractor cited for missing permit after Denver balcony collapse injured one
State Rep. Ron Weinberg gets police patrols around home after receiving threatening “crosshairs” Facebook post
Officer, man injured in Fort Collins police shooting near City Park
Valadez was arrested on suspicion of four felonies last Wednesday: unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy and a special offender drug charge.
According to court records, the 24-year-old was charged Frida with four class one drug felonies including controlled substance possession and importation, weapons charges and conspiracy.
Valadez is being held on a $100,000 bond and is next scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.