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SANTAQUIN — A traffic stop turned into a large drug bust in Utah County on Wednesday.
A Toyota Tundra towing a trailer on northbound I-15 near Santaquin was pulled over by Utah County sheriff's deputies about 4 p.m. after allegedly "committing several traffic violations," according to a statement from the sheriff's office.
A police K-9 did an open-air sniff around the vehicle and indicated the possible presence of drugs. A search of the Toyota and trailer was conducted, and 60 pounds of meth, 102 grams of heroin, 61 grams of cocaine, more than $65,500 in cash and a handgun were found and seized, the sheriff's office stated.
Ashley Atwood, 42, of Vernal, was arrested for investigation of money laundering, drug possession with intent to distribute, being a restricted person in possession of a gun and several other crimes.
After his arrest, Atwood allegedly admitted that "he was running the drugs from Phoenix to Denver," according to a police booking affidavit.