Motorist Arrested After CHP Allegedly Finds Fentanyl During Traffic Stop in Merced County
“On May 25, 2025, at approximately 6:22 p.m., a CHP Central Division K-9 officer conducted an enforcement stop on a 2002 Toyota Camry for a traffic violation. The stop occurred on northbound I-5 at SR-140 in Merced County. During the contact, the officer noted several factors leading him to believe the driver was engaged in criminal activity. The Officer asked for and was granted written consent to search the Toyota. While searching the rear compartment, the Officer located an aftermarket compartment built in the rear seat backs. The Officer located five square packages containing approximately 11 pounds of fentanyl. The driver was arrested, and the case was turned over to the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET). The driver was later booked into the Merced County Jail on the following charges:
11351 H&S – Possession of fentanyl for sale
11352 (a)(b) – Transportation of fentanyl across noncontiguous counties.
11366.8 H&S – Aftermarket compartment used to transport narcotics
The street value of the fentanyl is approximately $399,520.”
