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Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to release the following information regarding the seizure of approximately 86.9 pounds of Marijuana from a motor assist on Highway 260 at milepost 270.
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Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to release the following information regarding the seizure of approximately 86.9 pounds of Marijuana from a motor assist on Highway 260 at milepost 270.
On February 8, 2018, at approximately 10:24 p.m., a White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Ranger conducted a motorist assist at milepost 270 on Highway 260 east of Payson. During the contact, indicators of criminal activity were observed. The White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Ranger contacted the Gila County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office, along with detectives from the Gila County Drug, Gang, and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal Targeting Unit assisted with the investigation. During the investigation, a task force canine was deployed and alerted to the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 86 bundles of Marijuana with a total weight of approximately 86.9 pounds which was located in numerous hidden compartments within the vehicle. The street value of the Marijuana seized is estimated at $86,900.00. The vehicle was seized as part of this investigation.
As a result of this investigation:
Rey David Mendez Guerrero, age 21, of Douglas, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Transportation of Marijuana for Sale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Francisco Gavier Gutierrez Jr, age 20, of Douglas, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Transportation of Marijuana for Sale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing an aggressive stance on the drug problems that impact our communities. Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety as well as the White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Department for their coordinated response as well as the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for their continued funding of the Gila County Drug, Gang, and Violent Crimes Task Force which makes operations 
such as this possible.
