HARDEMAN COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — A traffic stop near Quanah on Wednesday morning leads to the seizure of a significant amount of suspected fentanyl pills by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Sgt. Juan Gutierrez, spokesperson for DPS, said around 12 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills were seized after a trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle in Hardeman County.

According to Sgt. Gutierrez, at around 9:07 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the trooper stopped a 2015 Buick Verano traveling south on US 287 near Quanah for a traffic violation.

Authorities said during the traffic stop, the trooper discovered six plastic cellophane bags of fentanyl pills. Sgt. Gutierrez said DPS Special Agents were contacted and assisted with the investigation.

According to Sgt. Gutierrez, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Joaquin Salazar, 37, of Phoenix, Arizona. He was arrested and booked into the Hardeman County Jail for felony possession of a controlled substance.

The drugs were reportedly being transported from Phoenix to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to Sgt. Gutierrez.

The exact number of fentanyl pills seized during the stop is unknown at this time, but given the average weight of a single fentanyl pill, it is likely that tens of thousands of potentially fatal pills are now off the street.

“I do not have a pill count,” Sgt. Gutierrez said. “It’s definitely a very considerable amount!”

This is a developing story. Stick with Texoma’s Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.