A Chicago man faces four felony drug charges after Eagle County deputies discovered more than 23 pounds of cocaine in his car during a routine traffic stop.
Just after 8 p.m. last Wednesday, deputies pulled over 24-year-old Angel Gabriel Valadez of Chicago on Interstate 70 near Gypsum — about 25 miles east of Glenwood Springs — .
Once Valadez pulled over, a deputy made contact and noted “several indicators of further criminal activity.” The sheriff’s department did not elaborate on what the indicators were.
After a drug-sniffing police dog alerted his partners, the deputies moved to search Valadez’s car, the news release stated.
Deputies discovered multiple rounds of ammunition — but no gun — alongside three phones and 10 brick-shaped packages that together weighed more than 23 pounds, the release stated. The packages tested presumptive positive for cocaine.
Valadez was arrested on suspicion of four felonies last Wednesday: unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy and a special offender drug charge.
According to court records, the 24-year-old was charged Friday with four class one drug felonies including controlled substance possession and importation, weapons charges and conspiracy.
Valadez is being held on a $100,000 bond and is next scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
