K-9 Finds Fentanyl Bricks in Hidden Goodyear Car Compartment

On November 12, 2026, Ayala, 27, and Varela, 24, were awaiting trial after police said a Goodyear K-9 helped uncover a fentanyl shipment during an October 14 traffic stop. Officers had stopped their vehicle near Interstate 10 and Sarival Avenue for a civil traffic violation and called in the dog after noticing signs of possible drug smuggling.

The dog alerted to the vehicle’s exterior. A search turned up an aftermarket hidden compartment holding six packages, containing about 13.2 pounds of fentanyl. The packages were marked “Rolex,” and the compressed white bricks bore the watchmaker’s crown emblem and lettering. A field scan tested positive for fentanyl and 4-fluorofentanyl.

Police estimated the shipment’s street value at $72,000 to $96,000, or about $12,000 to $16,000 per kilogram, depending on purity and quality. Ayala and Varela were later arrested in Yuma and extradited to Maricopa County. Both face four felony counts: possession or use of narcotics, possession for sale, transportation for sale and conspiracy.

A judge set bond at $200,000 for each defendant on October 21. On November 4, both defendants denied the charges in Maricopa County Superior Court. Their February 2027 trial is set to start then.