Two men found themselves in police custody over the weekend after law enforcement officers pulled them over for driving at an excessively slow pace. Carlos Hernandez, aged 59, and Robert Anthony Diaz Sr., also aged 59, now face serious charges, including drug possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The incident unfolded when a vigilant trooper from the Utah Highway Patrol noticed the suspects driving “extremely slowly” northbound on I-15. Growing suspicious, the officer decided to initiate a traffic stop and discovered that the California license plates on their vehicle had expired in March 2023. Further investigation revealed that there was no record of insurance associated with the vehicle.
The trooper’s concerns deepened, leading him to request the assistance of a K9 Unit. Nitro, the trained police dog, reportedly exhibited signs of detecting drugs inside the suspects’ car, prompting the Utah Highway Patrol to proceed with a thorough search.
During the search, troopers allegedly uncovered two large garbage bags filled with packages containing a white crystal substance. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in the packages, which collectively weighed a staggering 21 pounds. Additionally, law enforcement officials discovered a THC vape pen, a marijuana pipe, and a baggie containing “white crystal residue” in the cupholder. Testing later confirmed that the residue also contained methamphetamine.
Following the discovery, both Carlos Hernandez and Robert Anthony Diaz Sr. were immediately placed under arrest and subsequently booked into the Iron County Jail. They now face serious legal consequences for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
It is essential to note that the charges brought against the individuals mentioned above are merely allegations at this stage. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Law enforcement agencies continue to diligently investigate this case in an effort to uncover any potential links to broader drug networks or associated criminal activities. Further details regarding the ongoing investigation and potential court proceedings will be provided as they become available.
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