What looked like possible illegal narcotic activity led to a traffic stop on a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Stagecoach Road and West Aztec Avenue Feb. 24 by Gallup police.
In the driver’s seat was Ernest Gantar, 50, of Gallup, who had previous encounters with public safety officers.
Gantar was seen accepting something from an unknown male at a known residence for illegal narcotic activity and then followed to another residence, also known for incidents of illegal drug activity.
Based on the encounters at both addresses, a decision was made to conduct a traffic stop. After Gantar exited the vehicle, he was handcuffed and transported to an interview room.
A search warrant was signed and executed for Gantar and the vehicle he was driving.
The contents of his pockets included 6.5 grams of a white crystal substance which tested positive for the presence of methamphetamines and a black tar substance weighing approximately 9.0 grams had a presumptive positive test result for the presence of heroin.
In the criminal complaint dated Feb. 25, Gantar was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance which he knew or believed to be heroin or a substance regulated or prohibited by law. This is a second degree felony.
He was also charged with a second count of intent to distribute another controlled substance believed to be methamphetamines. This is a second degree felony.
A third charge, possession of drug paraphernalia, including black electronic digital scales, a glass pipe and 1 ½” square Ziploc bags, was charged as a misdemeanor.
A motion hearing is scheduled for McKinley County Magistrate Court at 11 am March 2 before the Honorable Virginia A. Yazzie.
A preliminary examination has been set for 1:30 pm March 11 before Yazzie at McKinley County Magistrate Court.