Two Men Arrested in Morro Bay Traffic Stop, Fentanyl Seized

Police found over 5 ounces of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia during the vehicle search.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Police in Morro Bay, California arrested two men on March 6 after a traffic stop led to the discovery of over 5 ounces of fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of drug sales. The driver, Carmelo Colaccino, and passenger, Lucas Isaac Hay, were both booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on multiple drug-related charges.

Why it matters

The seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in California and the efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that has contributed to a rise in overdose deaths across the state.

The details

During the traffic stop, officers observed potential weapons in the driver's compartment and asked both the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle. A consent search of the driver led to the discovery of suspected fentanyl. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered over 5 ounces of fentanyl, 0.15 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of drug sales.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 12 p.m. on March 6, 2026.

The players

Carmelo Colaccino

The 32-year-old driver from Paso Robles was arrested and booked on charges including felony possession of a controlled substance for sales, felony transportation of a controlled substance, felony possession of narcotics with priors, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a concealed knife.

Lucas Isaac Hay

The 29-year-old passenger from San Luis Obispo was arrested and booked on charges including possession of narcotics with priors, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aiding and abetting a felony crime. Hay also had four outstanding warrants for drug possession, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and theft.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Morro Bay Police Department or San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs like fentanyl, which have contributed to a rise in overdose deaths in California. The large quantity of fentanyl seized during the traffic stop underscores the severity of the opioid crisis and the need for continued vigilance and intervention by authorities.