60 Fentanyl Pills Discovered During Fredericksburg Traffic Stop

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Fredericksburg police officers recovered 60 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop in the city earlier this month, authorities said in a report. A Woodbridge woman faces several charges for possessing the drugs.

Police officials identified the woman as 27-year-old Yasmine Botchway. She is charged with possession with the intent to distribute, intent to distribute a weapon of terrorism, underlying fentanyl, and possession of a controlled substance by a prisoner.

Botchway is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. If convicted of all charges, Botchway could face up to 60 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The traffic stop occurred on Dec. 5 in the 3000 block of Plank Road, the Fredericksburg Police Department said. A K-9 at the scene conducted an "open-air sniff" and determined that there were drugs in the vehicle.

When police officers searched the vehicle, they found 60 fentanyl pills and other drug-related items, according to the police report. Botchway was taken into custody.

See also: Infant Dies With Fentanyl In System, Family Members Charged With Murder

At the Rappahannock Regional Jail, authorities found more narcotics hidden on Botchway's body, police officials said. She was charged with an additional count of possessing a controlled substance.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline for people struggling with addiction at 1-800-662-4357.