The Department of Public Safety, with assistance from the Safford Police Department and its certified narcotic dog, seized approximately 10 ounces of marijuana during a traffic stop Monday.

DPS officer Brad Smith pulled over a white 1994 Ford coupe near the entrance of the Graham County Fairgrounds and Highway 191 for a window tint violation at about 5:22 p.m., according to DPS Sgt. Dan Long.

The driver was identified as Gabriel Ortega, 16, of Safford and his passenger as Chad Castillo, 18, also of Safford.

Officers found about 10 oz. of weed hidden in an engine compartment during a traffic stop Dec. 22. Two Safford teenagers were bringing the contraband into town from Willcox. Contributed photo

Long said officer Smith impounded the vehicle after learning Ortega’s license was suspended.

During an inventory check, Smith smelled marijuana and requested assistance from Safford Detective Glenn Orr and his dog, Fritz. Safford officer Wade Sanders responded to assist as well.

According to Orr’s report, Fritz made a positive alert near the driver’s side front fender. Upon closer inspection, a plastic grocery bag was seen through the grille in the vehicle’s hood. Officers opened the hood and located the contraband.

According to Sanders’ report, the suspects said they were on their way home after visiting Castillo’s cousin “A.J.” in Willcox.

Neither of the suspects could give an accurate description of where A.J. lived.

Long said Castillo was arrested and booked into the Graham County Jail on charges of transportation of marijuana for sale, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He said while Ortega was not charged at the scene, he faces the possibility of being charged in the near future. Long said both subjects were interviewed by the DPS, and its reports were sent to the Graham County Attorney’s office for review.