More Than 200 Fentanyl Pills Recovered by PANT

More than 200 Fentanyl pills recovered following PANT investigation – Suspects In-Custody

Based on information developed by the Chino Valley Police Department and shared with Partner’s Against Narcotics Trafficking detectives, an investigation into the transportation of fentanyl pills was initiated. As a result, 50-year-old Randall Arrington from Chino Valley was arrested for charges including Transportation of a Narcotic Drug for Sale and Promoting Prison Contraband. He is being held without bond in the Camp Verde Detention Center. Also arrested was 43-year-old William John Stevens from Chino Valley. Stevens was charged with Transportation of a Narcotic Drug for Sale and Intentional Child Abuse. He remains in-custody on a $100,000 bond. And a 17-year-old male juvenile, Steven’s son, is pending charges for Possession/ Transportation of a Narcotic Drug.

Background – On June 2, 2019, around 4 PM, the suspect vehicle, a black Chevrolet 1500 truck, was spotted and was stopped following several moving violations on Iron Springs Road near Williamson Valley Road, Prescott, Arizona. A YCSO K9 arrived and was deployed for an exterior sniff of the vehicle. The K9 positively alerted to the odor of illicit drugs and during a subsequent search of the vehicle, detectives found a container with marijuana residue along with drug paraphernalia. Arrington, the driver, was found to have a suspended driver’s license.

Based on the drug and paraphernalia violations along with the suspended license violation involving Arrington, the adult occupants were arrested and the juvenile was detained.

At the booking facility, Arrington was found to have a baggie containing 73 blue ‘M30’ pills tucked under his genitals. These are commonly associated with being fentanyl pills. No illegal contraband was found on Stevens. During an interview with Steven’s juvenile son, he admitted to hiding a baggie of blue pills near his genitals. He removed the baggie which contained 3 separate baggies with a total of 156 blue ‘M30’ pills. The juvenile indicated that Arrington had given him the pills while they were in Mexico earlier.

Based on the interviews and prior investigation, it was determined the 2 adult suspects and juvenile had knowledge and involvement in the transportation of the fentanyl pills.

A follow-up test of a representative pill sample proved positive for fentanyl. Investigation is ongoing.

The effort by the Chino Valley Police Department, YCSO deputies, and PANT detectives directly resulted in the seizure of this poison before it reached potential users/victims in Yavapai County.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov