Payson — The Gila County Drug, Gang and Violent Crimes Task Force seized $222,000 worth of heroin on Friday during a traffic stop in Payson.

On Friday at approximately 6:36 a.m., a detective from the Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 87 MP 250. During the investigation, a task force canine was deployed and alerted to the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in 3.92 pounds of Black Tar Heroin being found in a hidden compartment within the vehicle. The vehicle, along with $426 in U.S. Currency, was seized as part of the investigation.

The street value of the heroin seized is estimated at approximately $222,025.

Jorge Gerardo Villegas, age 22, of Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, Transportation of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Maribel Benavidez, age 35, of Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Gila County Jail for Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Narcotic Drug for Sale, Transportation of a Narcotic Drug 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.

“This is a perfect example of the valuable team our Deputy and K-9 make, working together to take such a dangerous substance off the street and out of our community” said Sheriff Shepherd.

Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to thank 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.