3 arrested after heroin, fentanyl found during traffic stop in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Three people were arrested after a traffic stop led to the discovery of heroin in the suspect’s vehicle, the Porterville Police Department said.

Officers say they contacted 62-year-old Marvin Statler, 58-year-old Steven Elms and 58-year-old Tanya Leveck during a traffic stop, where Leveck was found to be driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Police also located heroin inside the vehicle and detained all subjects.

During a search, police say they discovered Statler had around 15 grams of methamphetamine, 1 gram of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

Detectives authored search warrants for Statler and Elms’ homes for the suspicion of narcotics sale. When detectives searched Elm’s home in Terra Bella, they say they found 63 grams of fentanyl, a Colt Calibre firearm and ammunition. A records check revealed Elm was previously a convicted felon; therefore, he was not supposed to have guns.

During the search warrant at Statler’s home in Porterville, police reported finding approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine and additional drug paraphernalia.

The police department said Statler is accused of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with prior convictions and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police said Elms was accused of possession of fentanyl for sale, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a controlled substance with prior convictions. Leveck was accused of possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Leveck was later released with a written agreement to appear.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.