SE Valley Times

Mesa police officers seized $1.2 million worth of fentanyl and arrested three individuals following a welfare check on July 4, 2024. The incident occurred just before 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of 645 W. Rio Salado Parkway.

According to authorities, the initial call reported that three people were inside a gold Cadillac, with the driver appearing unconscious and slumped over. Upon arrival, officers approached the vehicle when the driver, identified as 26-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez, immediately fled on foot. Two officers pursued Rodriguez while another officer remained with the car, which was occupied by 38-year-old Julian Reyes and 24-year-old Sunflower Short.

The officer observed small blue pills scattered throughout the car and a partially opened duffel bag containing several medium-sized packages wrapped in packing tape. Rodriguez was later apprehended after injuring his arm on razor wire during his attempt to escape and was transported to the hospital.

A search warrant allowed officers to inspect the vehicle further, leading to the discovery of 58 packaged bundles weighing over 200 pounds and two to three smaller opened bundles. The packages contained approximately 750,000 M30 blue pills of illicit fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $1.2 million.

Reyes and Short were booked into jail on charges of Possession of Narcotic Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia. Rodriguez remains hospitalized but faces charges including Possession and Transport of Narcotic Drugs for Sale and Possession of Narcotic Drugs upon discharge.