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Authorities arrest Tipanuk man on drug charges
Law enforcement authorities made a major drug bust in Tipanuk Monday night, arresting Albino G. Pedroza, 48, on a variety of charges related to distributing narcotics.
A search warrant on Pedroza's home in Tipanuk was executed by the Elmore County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) and agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. OSI's role in the case was not immediately identified by authorities, but they had been part of the investigation leading up to the arrest.
During the search of Pedroza's residence, authorities allegedly seized nine pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $22,500, according to the Elmore County Sheriff's Office. Also seized were nearly 25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a firearm, $10,000 in cash and two vehicles -- a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire and a 2003 GMC Yukon. Vehicles are usually seized if authorities believe they were used in the conveyence of illegal substances for sale and distribution. If Pedroza is convicted of the charges, the vehicles can be sold by authorities, with funds usually allocated to drug prevention programs and investigations.
Pedroza initially was charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
He was arrested at the home he owns in Tipanuk where the search took place. His wife and children were there at the time.
Pedroza, a U.S. citizen and a long-time resident of Elmore County, had a previous felony DUI conviction.
No further details were immediately available, but the ECSO said in a prepared statement that the investigation is ongoing and may produce more arrests.