K9 Unit Assists in Large Fentanyl Seizure Near Mount Shasta

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office noted that the amount of fentanyl seized could potentially be lethal to over 1.8 million people, based on current estimates of fentanyl potency.

A traffic stop near Mount Shasta, California, on September 4, 2024, led to the seizure of over 8 pounds of fentanyl with the assistance of a K9 unit, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 10:32 PM, a Siskiyou County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 5 near Truck Village Drive. The deputy reported observing a white Range Rover speeding through a single-lane construction zone.

The driver, identified as Jose Andalon, 29, of McMinnville, Oregon, was pulled over. During the stop, the deputy requested assistance from the Weed Police Department’s K9 team.

Upon arrival, K9 Drax indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office. This led to a search of the Range Rover.

Deputies reported finding the following items:

1. Four brick-like objects suspected to contain fentanyl in a grocery bag on the passenger seat
2. A silver revolver with spent cartridges in the driver’s side door
3. A backpack containing $4,400 in cash

The sheriff’s office stated that subsequent testing confirmed the seized substances as fentanyl. The total amount was reported as 3,703 grams or 8.16 pounds of fentanyl powder and pills.

Andalon was arrested on charges of possession and transportation of controlled substances for sale, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case remains under investigation. The sheriff’s office has not released information about Andalon’s court date or legal representation at this time.