SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California woman on federal drug allegations.
On Wednesday, a Wichita Police Department Narcotics Detective conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Equinox with a California license plate on northbound Interstate 35 at the K-15 exit for several alleged traffic violations, according to a media release.
The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle later identified as 27-year-old Elia Moreno-Castro of Inglewood, California, told the detective that she was traveling from Southern California to Wichita.
During the investigation, the detective observed factors consistent with criminal activity. A police K9 was deployed around the vehicle and alerted to the presence of a drug odor.
During a search of the vehicle, the detective located a large bundle of drugs, weighing approximately one kilogram in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
The officer arrested Moreno-Castro was arrested and booked her requested federal charges of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The DEA responded to assist with the investigation and the case will be presented to the US Attorney’s Office for consideration of federal prosecution.