STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 12, 2023-Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) turned a routine traffic stop last week into a substantial drug arrest. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
“This is a significant amount of narcotics that will not be making its way into Steamboat Springs or a neighboring community,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “We’re seeing an increasing rate of drug trafficking across the region and SSPD officers are trained to look deeper if something doesn’t add up as was the case in this instance.”
SSPD officers participating in Operation Rush Hour stopped a vehicle on Thursday afternoon for speeding. Officers observed several signs of possible drug trafficking and quickly learned the driver was in possession of a firearm.
With the help of a Routt County Sherriff’s Office (RCSO) K-9, officers located more than 500 fentanyl pills, a significant amount of cocaine, and other drugs as well as the gun and ammunition. The driver was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to distribute along with other felony charges.
In a separate incident, another SSPD officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense. The vehicle failed to yield and drove into Old Town where the officer observed it pull into a driveway. The driver was contacted and found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest and a revoked driver’s license. The driver was arrested for the outstanding warrant along with new charges stemming from the incident.
"Anytime we can keep something as lethal as fentanyl out of people’s hands is a huge win for the department and community,” continued Beckett. “We’re out to keep our community safe and actions such as these will not be tolerated in our town.”
All persons accused of crimes are presumed innocent until and unless their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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Contact
Mark Beckett, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Rich Brown, Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email