Second case in as many weeks

ALAMOSA — A routine traffic stop in the city of Alamosa Tuesday night resulted in the arrest of two residents on charges related to possession and distribution of controlled substances.

According to a statement from the city, Alamosa Police Department (APD) Officers Sarmiento and Aziz stopped a vehicle in the 2200 block of Ross Avenue for failing to use a turn signal. The vehicle appeared to have fictitious license plates and the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.

APD Officer Moreno and his partner K9 Officer Kilo were called to the scene where K-9 Kilo alerted on the vehicle. During the search that ensued, officers located 850+ fentanyl pills, cocaine, a large amount of marijuana, US currency plus clear baggies and a scale, items which are frequently used in the distribution of drugs.

Both the driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Fantashia Aragon of San Luis, and her passenger, Renee Archuleta, 36, of Alamosa, were taken into custody and charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (Drug Felony 1), unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Drug Felony 4) and marijuana offense (Drug Felony 2). The suspects were then transported to the Alamosa County Detention Center.

“More than 850 fentanyl pills is a significant amount for one person to have and definitely qualifies as distribution level,” says Interim Police Chief Joey Spangler. When asked what kind of impact distribution of that much fentanyl could have within a community, Spangler says, “It depends upon tolerance and a person’s past use of the substance. But a single fentanyl pill would be enough for an individual with low tolerance to overdose or worse.”

Bond was set for Aragon at $10,000 cash surety and $20,000 for Archuleta. As of Thursday afternoon, both women were still in the detention center and are scheduled to appear in court on March 26 for a Return Filing of Charges.

This is the second time in as many weeks that a routine traffic stop involving residents has led to the discovery and subsequent arrest for unlawful possession and distribution of controlled substances along with items used for distribution. In the February 29 case, the suspects, both from Alamosa, had more than 400 fentanyl pills and other drugs in their possession.

Both times, the K-9 officers called to the scene were responsible for alerting their partners that there were drugs in the vehicle. In the February incident, K9 Officer Goose was responsible and, as stated, K-9 Officer Kilo alerted on the vehicle Tuesday night.

It should be noted that, according to Spangler, APD K-9 Officer Kilo had just received his certification, and Tuesday night was his first time called to a scene.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.