Large Fentanyl Seizure Made During SMC Traffic Stop: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A traffic stop in San Mateo led to the seizure of more than 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and the arrests of multiple people early Thursday, police said.

Around 12:13 a.m., an officer pulled over a vehicle near South Grant Street and East Fourth Avenue for a registration violation.

Police said the people inside the car appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Officers said they searched the car with the help of a police dog and found more than 30 grams of suspected fentanyl.

John Whittington, 42, of Grover Beach, was arrested on felony and misdemeanor warrants, as well as on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Vanessa Vasquez, 40, of Eastvale, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, police said. She was later charged with attempting to bring a controlled substance into a correctional facility, police said.

Abraham Madrigal, 38, of Santa Maria, was cited on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possessing drug paraphernalia, police said.

Vasquez and Whittington were booked into the San Mateo County Jail. Prosecutors will review the fentanyl-related charges, police said.