Two arrested in Phelps Co. for trafficking heroin, cocaine

Two people were arrested Wednesday after officers found drugs in their car while traveling on I-44 through Phelps County.

A Phelps Co. deputy pulled over Alfonso Cazares after he was seen merging into the right lane between two semi trucks, causing one semi to brake to avoid an accident.

The deputy stopped Cazares at the 180 mile marker on EB I-44. He noticed Cazares and his passenger, Israel Paniagua, did not have matching stories regarding their plans or destination.

The deputy used a K-9 unit who alerted for drugs inside the car. The deputy searched the car and found almost 17 pounds of heroin and 25 pounds of cocaine in a false compartment in the dash.

Both Cazares and Paniagua were arrested for 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and drug trafficking.