(COLDWATER TOWNSHIP) – A traffic stop led to the discovery of large amounts of drugs.

Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop May 17 on southbound I-69 near the 15 mile marker in Coldwater Township. The stop was made for reckless driving and for speeding as the suspect was traveling 97 MPH in a 70 MPH zone.

While speaking with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, troopers requested the driver step out of the vehicle due to her not having a valid driver’s license. After speaking with the driver, troopers conducted a search of the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of over two kilograms of heroin/fentanyl (2,090 grams). According to the Michigan HIDTA and DEA seizure statistics the estimated street value of the seized illegal narcotics is between $250,000 and $300,000 and could greatly increase depending on the manner in which the narcotics were intended to be distributed.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that is like morphine, but about 100 times more potent. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past drug usage. With this traffic stop, troopers seized enough heroin/fentanyl to kill approximately one million people.

The driver was lodged at the Branch County Jail with no bond. The Michigan State Police was assisted with this seizure by the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration.