The Gore Range Narcotic Interdiction Team Task Force (GRANITE) seized approximately 500,000 suspected fentanyl pills on May 21 during a traffic stop in Eagle County, Colorado. A deputy patrolling Interstate 70 observed a white Toyota Corolla with Arizona license plates committing several traffic violations and initiated the stop.
According to authorities, the driver’s behavior and observations made by the deputy led to further investigation. The deputy discovered multiple boxes of furniture in the trunk that concealed over 111 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills packaged within the furniture. The driver, identified as Mirna M. Valenzuela, age 62 from Mesa, Arizona, was arrested and transported to the Eagle County Detention Facility.
Valenzuela is being held on a $100,000 bond and faces charges including unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl), unlawful possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), and special offender status related to fentanyl offenses. These charges range from Class 1 Drug Felony to Class 4 Drug Felony under Colorado law.
The GRANITE task force is comprised of members from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and Vail Police Department along with other local agencies. Officials said this multi-jurisdictional collaboration enhances efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region through proactive enforcement and specialized training.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case or suspect to contact the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip via Eagle County Crime Stoppers. People charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
