On December 23, 2009, at approximately 9:30 A.M., the Arizona Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy observed a New Mexico plated Dodge Durango speeding and following too closely on north I17. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on I17 in Cordes Lakes. The vehicle contained two occupants including the driver, 30-year-old Emilio Lopez-Burgos from New Mexico, and his passenger, 27-year-old Isai Villasenor from Colorado. Both occupants were extremely nervous and deputies had a chance to speak with each person separately regarding their relationship and travel plans. Both told very different stories as to the destination and their history together.
Due to the occupant’s suspicious behavior, along with indicators of narcotics involvement, the K9 deputy requested consent to check the vehicle for contraband. The driver consented and after signing a search waiver form, deputies began checking the interior. At the rear of the vehicle, deputies noticed the flooring was artificially raised. Further examination revealed a hidden compartment under the rear seat which contained apparent contraband. Both were detained pending further investigation.
The vehicle was transported to an auto yard in the area so the compartment could be completely exposed. While checking inside, deputies located 3 packages which each contained a quantity of cocaine. The total content weight of all packages was over 7 lbs. Both admitted knowledge of the drugs.
Lopez-Burgos and Villasenor were booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center for charges including Transportation and Sales of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance. They are each being held on a $500,000 bond and due in court this Wednesday.
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