A traffic stop by Eureka Police Officers on July 4th was the result of a multi-week investigation in which officers with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force believed that the suspect was in possession of large quantities of fentanyl pills and several firearms according to a Press Release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.
The suspect, identified as 31 year old Raymond Allen Payton, a convicted felon and on felony probation with a search clause, was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver and a small amount of fentanyl during the traffic stop.
When Eureka Police Officers checked the serial number on the firearm it was confirmed to be stolen. Due to the narcotics and the stolen firearm located in Payton’s possession, Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force and Officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to Payton’s residence on Sonoma St., in Eureka, to conduct a probation search.
During a search of Payton’s residence Agents located 600 fentanyl “Perc 30” pills, over a 1/4 ounce of fentanyl powder, digital scales, packaging materials, and a non-serialized .40 caliber handgun.
Payton was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked on multiple charges including, Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, Felon in possession of a firearm, Unlawful possession of firearm on person/vehicle, Unlawful possession of concealed handgun on person/vehicle and Possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales.
