Friday, January 17, 2020

Arizona man faces drug charges after stop on I-70

Fernando Jimenez-Arellanes, 44
MCSO Photo 1-17-2020

MESA COUNTY, Colo - On Friday, January 17, 2020 at approximately 2:30 am, a Mesa County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Western Colorado Drug Task Force stopped a car traveling eastbound on I-70 at mile post 16 after the car was observed weaving on the highway.

During the traffic stop, the deputy obtained permission to search the trunk of the car. Inside, a bag was found containing 20 packages of a crystalline substance consistent with methamphetamine. Total gross weight was approximately 20 pounds which is consistent with distribution.

The driver, identified as Fernando Jimenez-Arellanes, 44, of Arizona, was arrested and is facing the following charges:
  • Distribution/ Manufacture/Possession with Intent to Distribute > than 225g of Schedule I/II or > 112g of meth, heroin, ketamine, cathinone or > 50mg of Flunitrazipam, (DF1)
  • Special Circumstances Import > 14g of Schedule I/II or 7g of meth, heroin, ketamine, cathinone or > 10mg of Flunitrazipam (DF1)
  • Failed to drive in single lane (weaving)
Jimenez-Arellanes is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility.