Police seize fentanyl during West Valley traffic stop

Goodyear officers seized more than 13 pounds of fentanyl powder during a traffic stop near Interstate 10 and North Sarival Avenue, police said last week.

Officers stopped a vehicle Oct. 14 for a civil traffic violation “and observed indicators consistent with possible criminal activity involving the transportation of illegal contraband,” according to a Goodyear Police Department release.

During a search, officers discovered a hidden, aftermarket compartment containing approximately six kilograms of fentanyl powder, police said, adding that a field test showed a positive result for fentanyl, police said.

Based on an estimated street value of $12,000 to $16,000 per kilogram, depending on purity and quality, the total seizure is valued at approximately $72,000 to $96,000, police said.

Two suspects – Marco Ayala, 27, and Emely Varela, 24 – face drug and conspiracy charges, police said.