Photo by/Courtesy of GCSO: Cody Bowman (32, left) and Tanner Ponshas (29, right) were incarcerated on multiple drug charges.

by John Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

Safford – Two suspected fentanyl dealers were arrested, one of whom was pulled over for having an object blocking his windshield, and was admitted to the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on June 17.

Cody Bowman, 32, and Tanner Ponshas, ​​29, were charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession with intent to sell drugs, possession of drugs, possession with intent to sell drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bowman has a rich local background and just pleaded guilty to drug charges in April, while Pontius has a current felony arrest warrant from Colorado.

A 2012 Toyota Rav 4 had “multiple objects hanging from the rearview mirror” as officers parked along U.S. Highway 70 around 12:05 a.m., according to a Safford police report. We passed westbound. Officers said they also knew the driver was Bowman and that their driver’s license had been suspended.

Officers then initiated a traffic stop for objects hanging in the mirrors. A police officer contacted noted that Bowman, popularly known as “The Tutor”, appeared to have a cut straw that was used to consume illegal drugs. At that time, officers took Bowman into custody and found nearly $3,750 in cash. A search of the car also found counterfeit oxycodone tablets laced with fentanyl, meth pipes and other drug paraphernalia.

During the investigation, officers learned that Bowman was staying at a Motel 6 in Safford. Bowman allegedly admitted that there were more drugs in the motel room with another person (Ponsius) and that more drugs would come from Phoenix the next day. Bowman refused to allow officers to search his room, but a judge granted a search warrant.

Around 2 a.m., officers broke into the hotel room and detained a guest, Pontius, who he believed was in Colorado. Pontius reportedly said he did not know how he got to Arizona, and he denied knowing Bowman.

A search of the room found various drug paraphernalia, about 11 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 113 counterfeit oxycodone tablets mixed with fentanyl.

The drugs were seized as evidence and both men were sent to prison.