Full Notification

Modesto, CA – A patrol officer seizes thousands of pills during a routine traffic stop in south Modesto. Drug investigators are tracking the origin of the pills.

On November 15th at about 10:18 a.m., a Modesto police officer on routine patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Hatch Road and Crows Landing Road, in south Modesto. The driver, Anastacio Maldonado a 49-year-old South Gate resident, was seen talking on his cellular phone as he was driving.

During the stop, Maldonado told the patrol officer he was in possession of a Vicodin pill without a prescription. The officer arrested Maldonado without incident and continued his investigation. A search of the vehicle revealed several plastic grocery bags which were filled with hundreds of prescription blister packs that contained thousands of pseudoephedrine pills.

The passenger, a male 35-year-old Los Angeles resident, was also detained but later released without any charges. Maldonado was transported to the police station for further questioning.

Investigators from the Modesto Narcotic Enforcement Team (MNET) were called to assist in this investigation. An inventory of the pills revealed over 10,000 pseudoephedrine pills. Pseudoephedrine pills are a primary ingredient used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine.

The pseudoephedrine pills recovered have an estimated street value of over $7,800. Narcotic investigators will be following up on this case to determine the origin of the pills.

Maldonado was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail. He was charged with possession of precursors for methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, possession of a controlled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and an immigration hold.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

For information about this news release, contact police spokesman Sergeant Rick Armendariz at (209) 652-1820.