$2.5 million in meth seized by state trooper

A state trooper working on State Route 87 near Payson, arrested and booked three suspects after stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation on Tuesday, June 5, at around 8 a.m.

The trooper stopped the vehicle and observed indicators of possible criminal activity then conducted a search.

During the search of the vehicle, 56.5 pounds of meth, 4.3 grams of marijuana, a handgun, and $1,000 in cash were discovered.

State detectives took disposition of the investigation and seized the contraband. The street value of the meth is $2.5 million, making it one of the largest meth seizures in Gila County to date.

The driver was identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Y. Quezada and the two passengers were identified as 20-year-old Cheyanne Silco, and 20-year-old Cesar A. Huerta.

All three were booked into the Gila County jail with the following charges:

Possession of a dangerous drug Possession of a dangerous drug for sale Transportation of a dangerous drug Possession of drug paraphernalia Huerta had additional charges for:

Possession of marijuana Possession of a weapon
Arizona Department of Public Safety Major George Manera said, “This is one of the largest methamphetamine seizures to occur in Gila County and will make an impact on the distribution of this type of dangerous drug throughout the country. We are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs in Arizona, no matter what area it occurs in.”