A Chicago man faces four felony drug charges after Eagle County deputies discovered more than 23 pounds of cocaine in his car during a routine traffic stop.

Just after 8 p.m. last Wednesday, deputies pulled over 24-year-old Angel Gabriel Valadez of Chicago on Interstate 70 near Gypsum — about 25 miles east of Glenwood Springs — according to a news release from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.

Once Valadez pulled over, a deputy made contact and noted “several indicators of further criminal activity.” The sheriff’s department did not elaborate on what the indicators were.

After a drug-sniffing police dog alerted his partners, the deputies moved to search Valadez’s car, the news release stated.

Deputies discovered multiple rounds of ammunition — but no gun — alongside three phones and 10 brick-shaped packages that together weighed more than 23 pounds, the release stated. The packages tested presumptive positive for cocaine.

Valadez was arrested on suspicion of four felonies last Wednesday: unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy and a special offender drug charge.

According to court records, the 24-year-old was charged Friday with four class one drug felonies including controlled substance possession and importation, weapons charges and conspiracy.

Valadez is being held on a $100,000 bond and is next scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.

Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.

Originally Published: July 23, 2024 at 8:33 a.m.