New Mexico State Police officers found nearly 500 pounds of marijuana, along with various quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, cannabis edibles and psychedelic mushrooms, during a recent semitractor-trailer inspection in Gallup.
The truck driver, Brandon A. Johnson, 39, of LaPlace, Louisiana, and passenger, Terrance C. Hicks Jr., 46, of Houston, Texas, were arrested and booked into the McKinley County jail on multiple drug trafficking and distribution charges, State Police said in a news release.
The truck inspection took place around 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the Gallup Port of Entry.
“As the officer conducted a safety inspection on the (commercial motor vehicle), the officer observed 17 black duffel bags, three cardboard boxes, two plastic totes and a trash bag within the CMV’s cab and trailer,” State Police said. “The officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the trailer.”
State Police said 489.5 pounds of marijuana, 2.5 pounds of fentanyl, 23.5 pounds of cocaine, 28.5 pounds of cannabis edibles and a pound of psychedelic mushrooms were found in the bags, boxes and such. Two handguns were also seized from the cab.
