Buckeye officers seized nearly 15,000 fentanyl pills in the past couple of weeks that were likely slated for sale on Valley streets, according to police.

The drug seizures were the result of heads-up police work during two separate traffic stops, police stated.

“The fact that thousands of fentanyl pills, a powerful opioid, were intercepted by our officers could mean the difference between life and death for one of our citizens,” said Buckeye Police Chief Larry Hall. “Every one of these seizure matters and I continue to be proud of the work our officers do every day to safeguard this community.”

The first seizure took place Jan. 11, when Buckeye officers stopped a car in the area of MC 85 and Baseline Road for a traffic violation. The driver, Alexis Arroyo Zamora, 20, reportedly failed to produce identification or any other required documentation. Mr. Zamora also allegedly admitted to having a concealed handgun in the car, which is illegal for someone under 21.

Officers secured the handgun and arrested Mr. Zamora. Officers found about 2,760 fentanyl pills, more than $7,000 in cash and several cell phones in the vehicle. Police said Mr. Zamora was also carrying methamphetamine in one of his pockets.

Mr. Zamora allegedly admitted the drugs were his and the money was from selling fentanyl pills at different locations around Buckeye.

Mr. Zamora was booked on charges of trafficking narcotics, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of dangerous drugs and misconduct involving weapons.

The second seizure took place before 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. A Buckeye officer pulled over a vehicle near Southern Avenue and SR 85 for traffic violations.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Maximiliano Rodriguez, 30. During the traffic stop, officers located a large quantity of fentanyl “M30” pills underneath the rear passenger seat.

Officers arrested Mr. Rodriguez and impounded his vehicle.

Buckeye detectives determined there were about 12,150 pills, with a street value of over $120,000.

Mr. Rodriguez allegedly admitted to having gone to Sonora, Mexico to visit family. He said while there, he was offered money to transport the pills to Phoenix.

Mr. Rodriguez was booked on charges of transportation of narcotics for sale, a class 2 felony.