Two people were arrested after a Pinal County sheriff’s deputy found 340 pounds of marijuana in a van, that was stopped for several traffic violations Thursday.
Deputies said Desiree Romero, 28, of Sierra Vista, was riding with Thomas Duke, 26, of Tucson, on interstate 10, when they were stopped about 6 p.m., after the deputy said a large sign was blocking the rear window of their van, and hiding about 14 bundles of marijuana.
Romero was also found with a vial of methamphetamine and a pipe in her purse, according to a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office spokesman. When asked if she had any other drugs, she, as well as Duke, denied having any more.
But when they arrived at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center, the two were searched again, at which time, Romero grabbed from her vaginal area about a gram each of marijuana and meth, and tried to eat them. Detention officers were able to grab the drugs out of her mouth, before they were ingested, the spokesman said.
The marijuana had a street value of $272,000, the spokesman said.
Duke and Romero were both charged with possession of marijuana for sale, transportation of marijuana and possession of marijuana, the spokesman said.
Duke is currently on parole for forgery, identity theft and other prior criminal offenses.
Romero was also charged with possession of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and promoting prison contraband, the spokesman said
