Nay Tah Waush Fentanyl Stop Leads to Drug Charge

Nay Tah Waush (trfnews.i234.me) — Alejandro Torres Sanchez faces a drug possession charge following a March traffic stop in Mahnomen County.

Sanchez is charged with gross misdemeanor fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance.

Prosecutors allege fentanyl was found inside the vehicle during a search after the driver was arrested.

The case stems from a March 3, 2026, traffic stop in Nay Tah Waush.

Traffic Stop Begins With Plate Light

According to the complaint, authorities saw a black Dodge Durango traveling on Church Street West.

The vehicle allegedly had a rear license plate light that was not working.

Authorities stopped the Durango at about 7:22 p.m.

Ericka Faye Keezer was identified as the driver, according to court records.

Sanchez was identified as the front-seat passenger.

Four additional people were reportedly seated across the rear seat.

Investigators said Keezer’s hands and arms were shaking during the traffic stop.

Authorities then asked Keezer to perform field sobriety tests.

The complaint says she showed several possible signs of impairment during those tests.

Keezer later told investigators she had used fentanyl two days earlier, court records state.

She was then placed under arrest.

Authorities searched the Durango following Keezer’s arrest.

The complaint says investigators found several pieces of foil with burned residue inside the vehicle.

They also allegedly found hypodermic needles and other suspected drug paraphernalia.

A small clear bag containing white powder was reportedly found on the center console.

The bag was later submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for laboratory testing.

A BCA report dated August 6 confirmed that the substance contained fentanyl, according to the complaint.

The tested material weighed less than 0.023 grams.

Sanchez now faces one gross misdemeanor controlled substance charge in this complaint.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.

It also lists a possible fine of up to $3,000.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Mahnomen County court file number 44-CR-26-461.

The charge and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Sanchez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.