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ST. GEORGE — A routine traffic stop resulted in another large drug bust in southern Utah on Thursday.
Police say an estimated 70 pounds of methamphetamine was found in a car with a Minnesota license plate.
Jesus Alberto Rufino Palmeno, 23, and Julio Cesar Hernandez Narvaez, 35, were each arrested for investigation of drug possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A St. George police officer reported seeing a BMW with a Minnesota plate about 1:40 p.m. following another vehicle too closely. Police soon learned Narvaez, who was driving, "did not have a valid driver's license issued to him in any state," while Palmeno had a temporary Minnesota identification card, a police booking affidavit states.
During a search of the vehicle, approximately 70 pounds of meth, divided in 72 separate packages was found, the affidavit states.
"All of the packages were located in the trunk area of Julio's vehicle. Several were found in different pieces of luggage, in the spare tire well and under the trunk liner," according to the affidavit.
The men admitted to being paid to transport the drugs across the country, the affidavit alleges.
