Douglas man caught with 227 pounds of marijuana

By Trisha Maldonado
Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Monday, August 20, 2012 10:50 AM MDT



Armando Lopez Morales







A Douglas man was arrested Aug. 15 after he was allegedly found to be in possession of 260 pounds of marijuana.

Armando Lopez Morales, 44, was stopped shortly after 3:30p.m. by Bisbee Police Department for speeding.

According to Sgt. Teron Maddux, Morales was headed west bound on Highway 80, alone when he was pulled over for speeding.

The initial search of the vehicle resulted in finding 153 bundles of marijuana.

During a non-related training by Customs and Border Protection from the Naco Port of Entry, a working a dog found an additional 33.1 pounds of marijuana in a make shift compartment underneath Morales’ vehicle.

According to Maddux the total amount of marijuana seized from the vehicle weighed approximately 260 pounds, valued at $130,000.

Morales, a detention officer with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with transportation of marijuana and possession to sell of marijuana; both class two felonies.

He was booked at Cochise County Jail, and release on Aug 16 on a $40,000 bond.

According to Carol Capas, spokeswoman for CCSO, Morales resigned from his position from the department this Aug. 16.










Comments

    Just a friend of all in Douglas wrote on Aug 27, 2012 9:39 PM:

    " God will see that the chips fall as they should. I will pray for all involved on both sides of this issue. "

    ridiculous wrote on Aug 27, 2012 11:59 AM:

    " Douglas people are so lame! why pay so much attention to this "

    disappointed wrote on Aug 22, 2012 8:00 AM:

    " you said it perfect, rules. perfect "

    Concerned wrote on Aug 21, 2012 11:46 AM:

    " Well put disappointed. My point exactly, he had other options like we all do. Was it greed, substance abuse, or trying to maintain a life style. I think all three. I do feel sorry for his kids but not him or his wife who helped make that decision. "

    cous wrote on Aug 21, 2012 9:16 AM:

    " People are to quick when it comes down tp judging others and trying to make comments on someone elses life.god bless you and your family mando, (no se raje primo ) "

    Carlos Norris wrote on Aug 21, 2012 8:11 AM:

    " Haters gonna hate.
    Playas gonna play.
    Smugglers gonna...get caught! "

    chimichanga wrote on Aug 20, 2012 8:26 PM:

    " Yep those who are saying this was only a "mistake" are condoning his actions and see nothing wrong with what he did. That's part of the Culture of Corruption that comes from south of the border. They condoned it for so long and now it's coming back at them ten fold. Because Douglas is a border town that attitude is here as well. But let me get one thing straight, this isn't Mexico. Here in the U.S. we follow the law and unlike Mexico here there are consequences if you break the law. In the U.S. we follow the law. He needs to be used as an example. No sympathy from me on this one. And for those of you who think the drug war is a farce, then let one of your loved ones get hooked and when you see how it destroys them then we shall see if you come back with the same attitude. "

    disappointed wrote on Aug 20, 2012 3:41 PM:

    " ive known the morales family and when I saw Armando's face next to this article I was in major shock. I was disappointed frustrated and so many mixed emotions. yes he was a great father. his kids are beyond respectful. but they weren't in desperate measures. he didn't get his job too long ago which means he coulda had a job way earlier and received money well worked for. and the mother did not work either. so different options were out there to get money to provide for the family. this did not have to be an option. the only thing he was providing was drugs for the sick. yes you all say to keep our nose out of the situation but it is on the newspaper out for everyone to see and there is a box for comments. so if he didn't want anyone in his business he should of not made the choices he made. and he didn't accidentally put 227 lbs of marijuana in his car. he knew what was going on. and I still get chills knowing that I knew this guy and his great family. god bless them. "

    rules wrote on Aug 20, 2012 2:53 PM:

    " Hey hey now everyone... listen, thats just the way the game goes. Law enforcement officials can't cry and complain every time a smugggler gets away with a load, and smugglers cant cry and complain when they get busted! Its the rules you need to follow when you decide to get into the game. When our family members and friends get in trouble with the law, we sound say "what an idiot... why did you do that? You're making the family look bad"! When you make excuses for people's "mistakes" you condone their actions. Plus i highly doubt this was just the one and only mistake i.e. load of dope he attepted to smugggle. His speeding with dope in the car shows his comfort in what he was doing. Plus the fact that it was SO much indicates that the people he was working with trusted him, meaning he had done it successfuly before because they wouldnt give that much weight to a beginner. All of you that dont like this post, can complain and say its mean, how could i... well what ever. He put himself on the public radar, so shame on him and anyone who excuses him. A big thank you to bisbee pd/ DPS for getting the dope off the streets and saving the lives and heartache it would've caused! Think about this, because Morales obviously wasn't ... how many people could 220+ pounds of marijuana effect negatively??? How many young people were going to jail because of it if it wouldve made it to its destination?? How many mothers and fathers would cry?? How many brothers and sisters would miss there loved ones??? No, Morales didnt care at all about these people (us).. so why should we care about him???? "

    L wrote on Aug 20, 2012 11:42 AM:

    " I feel for his wife but most of all for his kids. I certainly don't condoned what he was caught for but I thank God that he was speeding. Those drugs would of ended on our streets and possibly into the wrong hands. He certainly knew what he was doing and no sympathy for him here. "

    FlyingTooLow wrote on Aug 20, 2012 11:27 AM:

    " The 'drug war' is a farce. If the same efforts were extended to REAL crimes, our country would see improvement. 48% of the Federal Prison population are drug offenders. And, per the DOJ's own statistics, the vast majority of them are non-violent.

    Some of the best pot I ever smoked was in Federal Prison....during a 5 year 'visit.'
    I served that time for a marijuana offense.

    I wrote about it in:
    Shoulda Robbed a Bank

    While watching armed bank robbers come and go in as little as 20 months. "

    CLASS08 wrote on Aug 19, 2012 11:14 PM:

    " Douglas im sorry to say that some of you people have really intollerable ways of thinking.. this is the reason why Douglas is the way it is, because of people like this man. he tried hidding behind that badge that make the rest of us that wear badges look like bad people. all of you people who say he was a good man, a coach and what not, HE WAS TRANSPORTING 227 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA, does that mean anything at all to you? are you people afraid of your children, your nephews, nieces, grandchildren falling into the world of drugs? well this man provided it to them, without even thinking about it, but if someone else gets cuaght doing this, someone you dont know i bet then all you people rooting for Armando would say "GUILTY!".. these are tough times, but there are better ways and different roads to take other than the one he took, just becasue he wanted the easy way, didnt want to be a real man and work for his money, EARN his money, then thats what he deserves.. BRAVO ZULU ON A JOB WELL DONE TO BISBEE P.D, FOR I AM FAR AWAY INTERDICTING DRUGS AS WELL, GOD BLESS TO ALL LAW ENFORCMEENT OFFICERS WHO REALLY DESERVE THAT BADGE, AND REALLY UPHOLD THE LAW!! "

    JJ wrote on Aug 19, 2012 7:02 PM:

    " Why does everybody call this a mistake. It was not a mistake is was a deliberete choise. Some say he deeply regrets this. Or is he just sorry he got caught? Yes he may have done good things in the past, but this time he crossed the line and now he must pay for his actions. When a law enforcement officer takes and oath to uphold the law and then goes the other way, that means his word as a man is no good. His oath became a lie!! Everybody who says don't judge adds to the problem. If as a community we don't judge the between right and wrong we will never be a clean and honest society. So the problem goes on and as a community we choose not to take a firm and solid stance against crime and corruption. If strong community judgment was applied in the past, maybe he would not have done the things he did. WAKE UP DOUGLAS, YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE THE PROBLEM. "

    Friend wrote on Aug 19, 2012 2:28 PM:

    " To all of you out there who are judging Mando for making a wrong choice becuase of who knows why should be ashamed. I'm sure some of you judging him now were fiends of his and think you are all high and mighty now. He made a terrible mistake and I'm sure he had desperate reasons. He is human and I'm sure he is regreting this because as mentioned before he is a good man and father and I'm sure if anyone else was in his situation he would be there in your support and not in judgement. I personally feel terrible for him and pray all goes well for him and the Morales family. "

    w wrote on Aug 19, 2012 2:25 PM:

    " Before all of you start pointing fingers make sure yours as well as your Childrens hands are clean! "

    Error wrote on Aug 19, 2012 9:31 AM:

    " They have got to have the wrong person. He would never do something like that. His family and in-laws never would do things like this. They are perfect in every way. His in-laws have always been above everyone else in town and look down their noses at this kind of thing. I know they must have the wrong person. "

    MP wrote on Aug 18, 2012 12:49 PM:

    " In response to H who said it was a simple mistake. Are you kidding me?? A simple mistake is locking your keys in your car, not the premeditation of drug smuggling. It's nothing but pure greed!As for his kids I feel sorry for them. "

    Bewildered wrote on Aug 18, 2012 10:34 AM:

    " He was given a second chance at having a respectable job after "leaving" his job with the Post Office. You would think he would have learned his lesson when he was given that break. I guess getting away with one crime and not being punished entitled him to attempt to get away with another. Interesting... "

    Just Wondering wrote on Aug 18, 2012 6:15 AM:

    " I wonder if those excusing his actions as a "mistake" aren't in the "business" themselves.

    A mistake is something done without intention or knowledge. I'm sure this man is educated enough to know that his CHOICE was wrong and risky.

    While tragic, it is also foolish especially when jeopardizing his job and family knowing that he worked to protect people from such criminal activity.

    He played with fire and got burned!....so sad!!!! "

    D Davadip wrote on Aug 18, 2012 4:01 AM:

    " You "small town" people get such satisfaction when someone makes a wrong choice. It must be nice to be perfect. Morales family:Be strong and have faith. I don't condone what's been done, but I do know mistakes are made....by everyone. The comments made by the haters should be the strength you need to keep going. Keep your heads high and know that many people are backing you. "

    Totally Judging Here wrote on Aug 18, 2012 1:38 AM:

    " It is a shame that Armando was caught trafficing drugs; regardless of the circumstances he and his family are facing. We all go thru difficult financial moments, but not everyone chooses the easy way out. I really wish he would have thought this thru and been of strong-mind. I bet he is kicking himself right now. Just imagine him attempting to get a good job in Douglas when he gets out of prison, when positions there are literaly 1:100,000. I foresee a move to a remote area for this family.Good luck to you and your family cuz this won't be easy. "

    Cici wrote on Aug 17, 2012 11:14 PM:

    " I agree with taxpayer. Choices, Choices. We the parents are he primary teachers. We should make choices, that should show and teach our kids right from wrong. I can't understand if someone has a good paying job,with benefits why risk loosing it all, just for easy money. Is it to keep up with luxuries of items, is due to fiancial issue due to drug habits,or just plain greed. I wonder more residens of this town aere doing the same thing. It is not to figure it out when I when people who don't work, have up two 2 cars, nice houses and yes are problably on Govt. assistance. But when these people have a nice cover up, like the most recent incdents of ADOC Officers, with uniforms and drugs in cars. Hard to believe all this going on in my town, but then again we are a border and that speaks for it self. "

    H wrote on Aug 17, 2012 8:09 PM:

    " Why would any of you mention his son? Shame on you for saying such a thing! He is a great father and husband. I am very sure if any of you went to him for help he wouldn't hesitate for a second to lend you a helping hand. No one is perfect therefore you should not sit there and critize someone who made a simple mistake. Worry about youselves not about what others are doing. "

    Chimichanga wrote on Aug 17, 2012 5:57 PM:

    " We have EVERY RIGHT to judge him. He knew exactly what he was doing and didn't care. Drugs hurt society and he was contributing to it. I'm willing to bet that this wasn't his first time either. This was not a mistake and like everyone else in the drug business they always get caught. I'm not surprised how many people commenting on this think drug smuggling is OK. Whether some of you bleeding hearts like it or not He made the choice now there are consequences. Good Job Bisbee Police! "

    T wrote on Aug 17, 2012 5:49 PM:

    " to Surprised- This was not a mistake. He made the decision to be a drug smuggler. He knows right from wrong, he is a grown man. He knows that drugs are wrong and that dealing, smuggling and transporting drugs is a crime. He wasn't acting on behalf of cancer patients who need it medicinally. The drugs didn't accidentally get in his car. He was greedy and needed cash. No boohoos for him. He made a foolish choice and his actions are part of why so many kids are being killed. He is a domestic terrorist who preys on addicts and children. He should be thankful he was arrested and not murdered like so many other drug runners from around here. His son is in the military fighting for our freedom against people like this. Zero tolerance for drug runners!I feel bad for his family but not for him in the slightest. "

    Not judging wrote on Aug 17, 2012 5:42 PM:

    " I have known his family for many years. My son and his youngest son have been friends since elementary. He has always been a very good father and husband. Everyone needs to mind their own business. Do you think his children would of turned out to be such good kids if he wasn't a good father or provider. No one knows the circumstances that lead him to make this decision. How typical of Douglas to start judging and pointing fingers. Who praised him for investing all his time coaching or raising his son to make such a noble choice and joining the army? Remember his son is still serving for HIS and OUR country. Im sure no one, right? So if you feel the need to start pointing fingers start in your own household. Im sure you wont be as quick to judge if you do. "

    R wrote on Aug 17, 2012 4:11 PM:

    " For "T" & "concerned" it is truly unnecessary for the negativity! Grow up & stop being petty!
    I love the Morales family they are good people, bad decisions WE ALL make them! But for you to say his wife & children are netter off without him?? Who are you to offer that advice?? Someone with terrible family values!! Family is for good & bad, better & worse! This family is going through enough then having to deal with such ignorance & hate! Understand the Morales family together with God & each other will get through as a FAMILY not as individuals! May God be with the Morales Family! "

    just media... wrote on Aug 17, 2012 4:09 PM:

    " Thats the price you pay for living in a small town. Everyone is gonna talk and everyone is going to judge. Thanks to social media, you can post whatever you want. Don't take things so personal and whatever your take is on the issue, you shouldn't be disciplined for it. You realize you are judging the people who are judging right? I'm just saying. So whatever your opinion is, its valid and you shouldn't feel like a child when posting your response! I know the Morales family well and regardless, you ultimately know the consequences when you take the first step so face the fall and whatever baggage comes with it. "

    Concerned wrote on Aug 17, 2012 2:55 PM:

    " I was born and raised in Douglas, spent the majority of my life in Douglas. The temptation to get involved in trafficing drugs was always there. I chose to work hard at what I did, support my family legally dispite all the struggles we went through financially. Mr. Morales had a good job, made the decision to take a chance and failed. He made that decision so now he must suffer the consequences as so many do when they decide to get involved in drug trafficing. "

    JJ wrote on Aug 17, 2012 2:50 PM:

    " Look at all the responses saying he just made a mistake and everybody makes mistakes. Well, he chose to be a felon. He has to be responsible and take owenership of his actions. This is why there are so many corrupt people in Douglas. Everybody wants to just look the other way. The people of
    Douglas have no moral backbone and they revear criminals and drug smugglers. This is one reason that Douglas has been and contunes to be a town of irresponsible people. Many of you think this is harsh and judgemental but if you don't clean yourself up nobody else will. The choise is yours. "

    taxpayer wrote on Aug 17, 2012 2:40 PM:

    " All I can say. "It is what each person chooses to do, the right or go with wrong". it's call, Choices! Can it be greed? Can it be the party life. Can it be the addiction to drugs? Can it be easy money? But it is Choices!!!!! "

    Surprised wrote on Aug 17, 2012 12:03 PM:

    " In response to "T",

    Shame on you!!! Why do you need to talk like that? No one is perfect and everyone make mistakes!! you are no one to judge Armando-I'm guessing you are perfect and never make mistakes.

    In response to "concerned",

    Are you serious? Did he commit this crime while being a coach?? Why do you need to bring that up? Don't you think it's hard enough as it is having to deal with this and now you want little league to take a look at this? For what?

    I've known Armando and his family for many years and know that they are good people and he's only human-WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!! No one should be judging him because we don't know what was happening in his life! We all need to take a step back, stop making rude and nasty comments, and pray that this family will make it through this tough time!! I for one, know that they will!! MORALES FAMILY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL!! "

    hy wrote on Aug 17, 2012 12:00 PM:

    " I love how right away we have concerned citizens who feel the need to put in there 2 cents on such issues. Half of Douglas has been caught doing such acts teachers, principals, police officers but because he is who he is they chose to exploit this and making it a big ordeal instead of not mentioning this at all like in other situations. Teachers can have relations with students, parents can kill their children, and any other horrible incident can happen and people will keep quiet but then this happens and NOW people have a opinion. He made a mistake in which us as humans all do doesn't make him a bad person nor make him someone not to be around. Grow up already we all have skeletons in the closet and what you throw out talking about shame remember it all comes back!!! "

    Rock wrote on Aug 17, 2012 10:33 AM:

    " Let her without sin cast the first stone!and Let the rest of you just get stoned... "

    a friend wrote on Aug 16, 2012 11:48 PM:

    " to the Morales family, im so sorry this is happening you you, god give you strengh, patience and faith........... "

    T wrote on Aug 16, 2012 6:19 PM:

    " Such a shame that he went this route. His family had so many people fooled. Thank God his son joined the military before following in Dad's footsteps. I only hope his wife and kids are o.k. while their dad is in prison. They are worth so much more than having this type of man around them. His actions will cause his family so much pain he can't even fathom it. Shame on him! "

    Concerned wrote on Aug 16, 2012 12:08 PM:

    " Is this the same Armando Morales who's coached little league and softball for years? Wow what a great role model he's become. I hope league officials take a really good look at this. "

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