Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a suspect after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a large quantity of fentanyl pills in a vehicle occupied by two young children.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, at around 4:45 PM near I-17 and Middle Verde Road. Deputies stopped a vehicle and deployed K9 Radar, who alerted them to narcotics inside. A search revealed approximately 70,000 fentanyl pills hidden in the car.
Jose Urquianeriz, along with another adult passenger, was taken into custody at the scene. Two children under six years old were also found inside the vehicle during what authorities described as felony drug trafficking.
Urquianeriz faces charges including possession of narcotic drugs, sales of narcotic drugs, transportation of narcotic drugs, and child abuse.
“This seizure represents a substantial amount of poison being removed from our streets,” said Sheriff Rhodes. “The fact that a suspect was allegedly engaged in felony drug trafficking with two small children present highlights a dangerous level of recklessness and disregard for life. We are grateful to the specialized unit for their diligence and prompt response to protect the children involved.”
The investigation is ongoing.
