BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A routine traffic stop in Kern County led to the seizure of over 28,000 fentanyl-laced pills and the arrest of two individuals on February 2, 2025.

At approximately 2:40 p.m., a Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a Mazda SUV near the intersection of Washington Street and Feliz Drive for vehicle code violations. The stop quickly escalated into a narcotics investigation.

Traffic Stop Uncovers Massive Drug Haul

The driver, Guadalupe Paz (33), and passenger, Jose Machado (22), both from Bakersfield, were inside the vehicle along with three juvenile children. A California Highway Patrol K-9 unit arrived to assist, leading to a search of the vehicle.

Inside the passenger compartment, deputies discovered over 28,000 suspected fentanyl-laced M-30 pills, a quantity large enough to warrant immediate involvement from the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (KC-HIDTA) Task Force, which took over the investigation.

Arrests and Charges

Following the discovery, Paz and Machado were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on multiple felony charges, including:

• Possession of a controlled substance

• Possession with intent to sell

• Transportation of a controlled substance

• Child endangerment

• Conspiracy to commit a crime

The juvenile passengers were placed under protective care as authorities continued their investigation.

Fentanyl Crisis and Law Enforcement Efforts

This seizure highlights the ongoing battle against fentanyl trafficking, a highly potent and deadly opioid responsible for thousands of overdoses nationwide. Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on drug trafficking operations, particularly those involving large-scale distribution networks.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to illegal drug sales.