El Paso County deputies make drug bust during traffic stop

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) arrested two males after a search of their vehicle revealed around 9.5 grams of methamphetamine and 741 blue fentanyl pills.

EPSO says around 11:52 p.m. on March 31, they noticed a suspicious vehicle near the 5000 block of Marabou Drive. Deputies say they stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Hancock Expressway and Yucatan Drive.

According to EPSO, the driver identified as 68-year-old Dale Witham was determined to be driving under the influence. The passenger, 37-year-old Justin Haakenson, was seen with a glass pipe, says EPSO.

A search of the vehicle found around 9.5 grams of meth, 741 blue fentanyl pills, packaging materials consistent with narcotics distribution, a digital scale, empty syringes and additional drug paraphernalia on both suspects, according to law enforcement.

Witham was charged with the following, says EPSO:

• Unlawful distribution,
• Manufacturing,
• Dispensing, or sale
• Driving under the influence
• Multiple traffic offenses.

Haakenson was charged with the following, says EPSO:

• Unlawful distribution,
• Manufacturing,
• Dispensing, or sale
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Misdemeanor offenses.

Both are being held on a $50,000 bond, according to EPSO.

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