PAYSON, AZ - A tractor-trailer commercial vehicle was stopped near Payson on Sunday because of an equipment violation, however after being searched, over $2 million worth of drugs was found, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The DPS officer stopped the vehicle at approximately 11:05 p.m. traveling northbound on State Route 87 near milepost 231, around 19 miles south of Payson.
After the officer was given consent to conduct a search, he discovered 8.7 kilograms of high grade South American type heroin worth $452,400, 50 kilograms of cocaine worth $1.4 million and 300 pounds of marijuana worth $157,500.
The vehicle and drugs were both seized by DPS and the two suspects in the vehicle were booked into the Gila County Jail in Payson.
Driver Albert Chrzaszcz, 36, of Surprise and Owner Operator Jayson Lyle Shawd, 41, of Mesa are being charged with possession of a narcotic drug and marijuana for sale and transportation of a narcotic drug and marijuana for sale, according to DPS.
