Police arrested a Michigan man Friday, charging him with drug trafficking in connection with the largest amount of fentanyl seized in the state.
Guillermo Mata Perez, 35, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Police linked the suspect to an earlier seizure of fentanyl during a traffic stop earlier in March, a release from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office stated.
During that routine traffic stop March 7, Michigan State Police stumbled upon a four kilo supply of fentanyl stored in heat-sealed bags in the car of a 25-year-old unnamed California resident after noting “indicators of criminal activity,” according to Detroit News.
“Evidence shows he was transporting or smuggling fentanyl from California to Michigan,” state police told the outlet.
Fifth District Hometown Security Team’s (HST) traffic stop yields largest fentanyl seizure in Michigan. California man arrested for possession w/intent to deliver over 1000 grams of fentanyl. Click⬇️link for full details. Outstanding police work by all!https://t.co/rxKIwhjcY7 pic.twitter.com/kOaury7G8r
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) March 8, 2023
“One kilo [of fentanyl] can produce approximately 500,000 fentanyl pills with a street value of approximately $1.5 million,” officials continued, adding that they believe this traffic stop disrupted the distribution of approximately 3 million fentanyl pills, the outlet stated.
The driver was subsequently arrested on possession with intent to deliver more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl charges and transported to the Van Buren County Jail, police told Detroit News.
That arrest led Michigan State Police to Perez’s home, where a search warrant revealed a kilo of crystal meth, 942 fentanyl pills, $22,699 in cash, an unregistered gun, and multiple cell phones, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office revealed.
“Fentanyl is killing people all over Michigan and devastating families right here in Oakland County,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated. “I will use the full resources of my office to prosecute those who choose to exploit addiction for profit and work to stop the spread of fentanyl in our community.” (RELATED: Mother Who Lost Sons To Fentanyl Fires Back At Democrats Accusing Her Of ‘Fear Mongering’)
In addition to the two 20-year felony charges, Perez also faces two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony, the release stated. Perez remains in custody at the Oakland County jail on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to be back in court March 22, McDonald continued.