x
Breaking News
More () »

Navajo County Sheriff's office makes 'largest meth bust' in history of department

Deputies made the drug seizure and arrests during two separate traffic stops on Wednesday.

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — The Navajo County Sheriff's Office discovered an estimated $3 million in methamphetamine during a traffic stop Wednesday - the largest meth seizure in the department's history, officials said.

Sheriff's officials said 55-year-old Henry Paxton was stopped for several traffic violations around 8:25 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 40 near Sun Valley. During the stop, deputies found 124.1 pounds of methamphetamine, .8 grams of ecstasy and a firearm.

The seizure was the largest meth seizure in the history of the sheriff's office, with an estimated value of just shy of $3 million, officials said.

Alejandro Garcia Gonzalez, 53, was stopped hours later on I-40 in the Winslow area. Upon further investigation, nearly 78,000 fentanyl pills were found. The estimated street value is close to $2 million, officials said.

Both men were booked into jail for numerous drug charges. Paxton was also charged with a weapons offense.

The sheriff's office said the stops were two different incidents and were not related in any way.

Nearly 5 Million dollars’ worth of illegal drugs were seized in Navajo County Holbrook, AZ: On June 22, 2022, Navajo...

Posted by Navajo County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Up to Speed

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

Silent Witness: 

Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities. 

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media. 

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous. 

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case. 

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. 

Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out