Location: Highway 99, south of Earlimart

Incident Date: 12/14/21

Case Number: 21-15735

City: Earlimart

Posted by: Media Relations

TCSO K9 Deputy Sniffs Out Drugs During Traffic Stop

On 12/14/21, TCSO Deputies & a K9 Deputy conducted a traffic stop on 27-year-old Wilver Montes for a violation on Highway 99 south of Earlimart. 

During that stop, Deputies found a gun in the vehicle in plain sight as Montes tried to hide it. Montes was then detained and Deputies searched the car after K9, “TJ”, alerted them to the presence of drugs. Approximately 9 pounds of meth was also found hidden in the vehicle. Montes was arrested and faces charges of being in possession of methamphetamine for sales, transportation of methamphetamine for sales and possession of a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle. 

This is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559)733-6218, or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.