Traffic Stop Leads to the Seizure of 968 Pounds of Marijuana
July 27, 2011
On July 21, at approximately 1849 hours, officers in a marked
patrol unit initiated a traffic stop on a white van for failure
to signal 100 feet prior to turning. The van was stopped in the
area of Horne and 8th Ave. in Mesa. The driver of the van and
lone occupant of the vehicle stated that he did not have a
drivers license or identification. As a result, the driver of
the van, identified as Christian Flores Bautista (25),was
arrested for failure to provide or show a drivers license or
identification.
As Bautista exited the van, officers detected a strong odor of
marijuana emitting from the van. A K-9 officer responded to the
scene and walked his K-9 around the van. The K-9 detected the
presence of marijuana and the van was searched. The search of
the van resulted in the discovery of 968 lbs. of marijuana; a
total of 42 bales. After being advised of his Miranda Rights,
Bautista refused to answer questions.
Christian Flores Bautista (seen in photo below) was charged with
Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Transport of Marijuana for
Sale, Driving on Revoked License, and Failure to Provide
Identification.
