Local Business Owner Charged with Trafficking Fentanyl

Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office Initiates Strategic Stop

On May 5, 2024, in the span of an ordinary afternoon, a central figure in Elizabeth City’s narcotics scene was brought into the spotlight. In a combined operation, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office initiated a vehicle stop on Hwy 17 North, with reference to a 2024 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was stopped due to apparent traffic violations, but the actual motive quickly unfolded as something far more sinister.

The Eventful Traffic Stop

The driver, identified as Al Esteban Ortiz, 47 years old, and a resident of the 800-block of Briarwood Rd, Elizabeth City, was detected disposing of an object from his vehicle prior to being pulled over. A trained K9 partner from Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, ‘Omar’, indicated a positive alert for the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

The Charges Against Al Esteban Ortiz

Following a thorough search, approximately 185 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II narcotic, was reportedly discovered in the vehicle. Ortiz, the owner of an undisclosed business in Elizabeth City, was then taken into custody and has been held at Albemarle District Jail under a substantial $1,000,000.00 secured bond.

The primary charges Ortiz faces include the following:

• 1 Felony Count – Trafficking Fentanyl by transportation
• 1 Felony Count – Trafficking Fentanyl by possession
• 1 Felony Count – Trafficking Fentanyl by manufacturing
• 1 Felony Count – Possession with intent to sell/deliver Schedule II
• 1 Felony Count – Maintaining a vehicle to store a controlled substance

In addition, three traffic-related misdemeanour counts have been added:

1 Misdemeanor Count – Failure to heed light or Siren

1 Misdemeanor Count – Littering not more than 15lbs

1 Misdemeanor Count – Speeding

Investigation Unearths Larger Operation

The weight of Ortiz’s charges reflect a deeper, more systemic issue lurking beneath the surface of the small city of Elizabeth. Further investigation revealed that Ortiz was allegedly using the vehicle to transport the illicit substance from New York, packaging and selling fentanyl upon his return to Elizabeth City and surrounding areas.

Authorities Extend Thanks for Interagency Cooperation

Though the substantial charges indicate a significant operation has been disrupted, the investigation remains ongoing. In an official statement, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office extended appreciation to the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, their K9 ‘Omar’, and Chesapeake Police Department for their assistance in the operation.

The Ripple Effect of a Bust

Public safety continues to be the prime concern for the residents of Elizabeth City. The revelation of such a significant narcotics detainment within their community drives city officials and law enforcement to further streamline their efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.