St. George, Utah – A routine overnight traffic stop in Washington County turned into a major drug seizure after a sheriff’s K-9 detected narcotics hidden on a northbound passenger bus. Deputies later discovered multiple pounds of fentanyl pills and tar heroin concealed inside hollowed fire extinguishers, leading to the arrest of a California man. Authorities say the discovery prevented a significant amount of dangerous drugs from reaching Utah communities.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the probable cause statement, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on Friday when a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy stopped a passenger bus on Interstate 15 near mile marker 6, just south of the St. George Boulevard exit. The stop was initiated for a reported lane violation.
After explaining the traffic issue to the bus driver, the deputy used a K-9 to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle. As the dog moved, the driver reportedly told deputies they could search the inside of the bus and inspect the storage compartments.
However, the deputy noted in his report,
“I declined for him to open the storage areas and deployed K9 Cyrus.”
Once inside, the dog displayed a dramatic behavioral shift near one of the passengers, signaling the potential presence of narcotics. The alert prompted officers to inform all 18 passengers of the situation, after which each individual allowed deputies to access their luggage.
Discovery of Suspicious Fire Extinguishers
During the search, deputies found a blue backpack located above Luis Enrique Barajas-Garcia, 40, of California. He initially denied ownership of the bag, claiming his belongings were stored below the bus. But after a Spanish-speaking translator read his Miranda rights, he admitted the backpack belonged to him.
Inside were two fire extinguishers—an item the deputy immediately deemed unusual for a bus passenger to carry. The extinguishers felt heavy yet showed “empty” readings on their gauges, a detail the deputy recognized from past narcotics smuggling cases.
Barajas reportedly told deputies he was “afraid of fire” and had been given the extinguishers as a gift before his trip. He also said he was traveling to Salt Lake City to buy a vehicle, and the extinguishers were meant for it.
But when the deputy tested the devices, he found neither was pressurized nor capable of releasing retardant.
He wrote:
“I unscrewed the nozzles of both and they were packed full of substances that were wrapped in plastic bags.”
Amounts of Drugs Recovered
After opening the extinguishers, deputies discovered:
- 4.3 pounds of fentanyl pills
- 2.3 pounds of tar heroin
Officials stated the quantities were far beyond personal use and consistent with trafficking operations. The narcotics were seized at the scene for evidence processing.
According to the court documents obtained from St. George News the drugs were tightly packed and intentionally concealed in a manner designed to avoid detection during routine inspections.
Criminal Charges and Booking
Barajas was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility. He faces:
- One first-degree felony – trafficking fentanyl
- One second-degree felony – possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
He made an initial court appearance at the 5th District Court in St. George later the same day. Records indicate he remains held without bail, pending further judicial review.
Why This Drug Bust Matters
The discovery of fentanyl is especially significant given the drug’s potency. Even small amounts can be fatal, and law enforcement agencies across the country continue to combat rising trafficking trends involving:
- Concealed compartments
- Modified household items
- Vehicle alterations
This case highlights the evolving tactics used by traffickers—such as hiding drugs in fire extinguishers—and underscores the importance of specialized K-9 units in disrupting illegal drug movement.
Authorities emphasize that large narcotics seizures like this one can prevent overdoses, reduce street-level distribution, and disrupt trafficking networks operating across state lines.
Public Safety Reminder
Law enforcement urges the public to remain aware of the severity of fentanyl-related dangers. Officials recommend:
- Learning how to recognize opioid overdose signs
- Using fentanyl test strips when applicable
- Keeping Naloxone accessible
- Reporting suspicious behavior on public transit or highways
Fentanyl remains one of the most lethal substances encountered by first responders, making public education essential.
Conclusion
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the swift actions of the deputy and K-9 team prevented over six pounds of dangerous narcotics from entering Utah communities. As the legal process continues, this case serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and the evolving methods used by smugglers.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
