On January 18, 2012, at approximately 9:15 PM, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy stopped a Peterbilt tractor-trailer on north I17 in Cordes Junction. The driver, 37-year-old Terrance Blakey, was contacted regarding several equipment violations involving the Missouri plated tractor. The cab also contained a passenger identified as 38-year-old Kevin Jones. Both subjects indicated they were from Missouri.
During a discussion about the equipment violations, the deputy developed information this vehicle likely contained drug related contraband. The deputy’s suspicion was also raised when he discovered a false set of driver’s log books in an apparent attempt to conceal travel destinations and timelines. Both subjects denied the deputies request to search the rig.
The deputy deployed his certified narcotics detection dog around the exterior of the tractor and observed the dog alert at the passenger side of the cab. Based on the alert, deputies conducted a search for the source of the odor detected by the K9. Inside the cab’s sleeper section, deputies discovered 4 large bales each found to contain marijuana. The total weight of all bales exceeds 100 pounds.
Blakey and Jones were placed into custody and transported to the Camp Verde Detention Center. They were booked on charges including Transportation for Sales of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both remain in-custody – each with a $75,000 bond.
The Peterbilt tractor was impounded pending court review for drug related forfeiture proceedings.
Current wholesale value of this seizure exceeds $70,000 dollars. Street value would be several times the wholesale dollar amount.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
