Traffic stop leads to substantial drug recovery along I-70

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013, while driving eastbound on I-70, a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Corporal observed a vehicle weaving and adjusting speeds erratically. The Corporal initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle came to a rest near mile mark 94 eastbound on Interstate 70. After further investigation, Deputies learned that the driver was from out of state and that his driving status was revoked.

Because his driving status was revoked and he was unable to provide proof of insurance, the decision was made to impound the vehicle. As Deputies were taking inventory of the automobile, they discovered approximately 2,185 grams, (a little over 2 kilograms) of suspected Methamphetamine. The total amount of drugs seized from the vehicle is estimated at a street value of $218,500.

Driver Pablo Rene Avalos and passengers Ruben Dario Gonzalez and Alexis Abigail (a.k.a. Alexis Montoya-Cazares) were placed under arrest and transported to the Garfield County Jail.