GRASS VALLEY, CA – On the early morning hours of May 2, an NCSO deputy observed a vehicle code violation and made a traffic enforcement stop on Highway 174. Christopher John Ross, 40, of Grass Valley, was found to be the driver of the vehicle, and was accompanied by passenger, Kyle Aaron Hartman, 43, of Grass Valley. A white crystalline substance, believed to be narcotics, was in plain view, which prompted a search of the vehicle.

The deputy uncovered 1.6 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, 0.6 ounces of suspected fentanyl, and related drug paraphernalia. The deputy noted 0.1 grams of methamphetamine is common for single use, which breaks down to approximately 453 single uses, suggesting the intent to sell. The fentanyl, while seemingly a small amount, is highly potent and dangerous.

Ross and Hartman were subsequently arrested and booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on several drug-related charges:

Ross was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (11377A)); possession of a controlled substance for sale (11378); transportation of a controlled substance (11379(A)); possession/purchase for sale a controlled substance (11351); transport/sell a controlled substance (11352(A)); possession of a controlled substance with two or more prior offenses (11395(B)(1)); and conspiracy to commit crime (182)(A)(1)).

Hartman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale (11378); transportation of a controlled substance (11379(A)); possession of a controlled substance (11350(A)); possession/purchase for sale a controlled substance (11351); transport/sell a controlled substance (11352(A)); and conspiracy to commit crime (182)(A)(1)).