Douglas Police Officers arrest Douglas resident with 137 pounds of marijuana

Douglas Dispatch

A 22 year old Douglas man was arrested last week after he was found in possession of 137 pounds of marijuana.

According to Sgt. Jose Duarte of the Douglas Police Department at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 18 Douglas Police Officers responded to the area of Leslie Canyon Road in reference to a dark in color vehicle which may have been transporting illegal contraband and traveling South on Leslie Canyon Road at a high rate of speed.

Duarte said as the officers responded to the area in question they spotted a 1997 Toyota sedan which matched the description of the suspected vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

The officers got behind the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Leslie Canyon Road but the Toyota sedan continued traveling south at a high rate of speed and finally pulled off the road after traveling approximately one and a half miles.

Douglas Police Officers arrested the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Francisco Raphael Avila, 22, without further incident and charged him with possession of marijuana after officers observed a package of marijuana in the back seat.

A search of the vehicle revealed two more burlap bundles in the trunk of the vehicle.

A total of 137.20 pounds of marijuana was found inside the Toyota sedan and Avila was transported to the Douglas Police Department for booking.

Avila was charged with unlawful flight from police, possession of marijuana, marijuana for sale, transportation of marijuana and driving on a suspended license. He was transported to the Cochise County Jail pending his initial appearance.