Traffic Stop on I-70 Leads to Major Meth Bust in Eagle County
A speeding violation on Interstate 70 turned into a major narcotics arrest after authorities found over 43 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a pickup truck. The incident occurred Wednesday near the western edge of Eagle County, where a deputy with the Gore Range Narcotic Interdiction Team Task Force pulled over a white truck for going 82 mph and drifting onto the rumble strip.
While issuing a warning for the speeding violation, the deputy became suspicious and requested a K-9 unit. The trained dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a full search of the vehicle. That search uncovered a significant stash of meth, concealed inside the truck.
The driver, identified as 41-year-old Ángel Guadalupe Leon Payan of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, was arrested on multiple felony charges. These include unlawful distribution and possession of a controlled substance (meth), conspiracy, and a “special offender” enhancement due to the quantity involved. Leon Payan was booked into the Eagle County Detention Facility and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the suspect or related criminal activity to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Eagle County Crime Stoppers website or the “P3 Tips” mobile app. If the tip leads to an arrest and indictment, it may be eligible for a cash reward.
