Reno, NV – A traffic stop in Reno led to a major drug bust, resulting in Kengji Battle being sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking controlled substances, authorities announced.
Arrest During Traffic Stop
On September 23, 2024, a Washoe County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over Kengji Battle for speeding. During the stop, the deputy requested backup from the Northern Nevada Interdiction Task Force, which included a K9 unit trained to detect narcotics.
K9 Alerts Lead to Discovery of Narcotics
The K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting officers to search Battle’s vehicle. As per News4, the authorities discovered significant quantities of drugs:
- 3 pounds of methamphetamine – approximately 6,800 doses
- 0.25 pounds of cocaine – approximately 570 doses
- 0.33 pounds of fentanyl – approximately 6,040 doses
The discovery highlighted the scale of the drug trafficking operation and the danger posed to the community.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Battle subsequently pled guilty to trafficking a controlled substance, acknowledging the possession and intent to distribute the narcotics.
- The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Battle was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison.
- Authorities emphasized that the arrest and sentencing send a strong message regarding the serious consequences of drug trafficking in the Reno area.
Community Impact
Officials noted that the seizure removed thousands of potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from the streets, helping to prevent overdoses and crime in the region.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between local law enforcement and specialized task forces in keeping our communities safe,” a spokesperson from the Washoe County DA’s office said.
Have you witnessed or encountered similar law enforcement operations in your area? How do you think communities can further combat drug trafficking? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
