ALLIANCE, Neb. — A Box Butte County man is facing new felony charges after officers with the Alliance Police Department recovered 20 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop Monday afternoon.

According to a press release from the department, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of West 10th Street and Ramblin Road at approximately 3:40 p.m. on April 7. Prior to initiating the stop, officers identified passenger Colton Williamson, 28, as having an active warrant for violating a protection order.

After the vehicle came to a stop, officers took Williamson into custody without incident.

During a search of the area where Williamson had been sitting, officers discovered a fentanyl pill. Further investigation revealed Williamson had discarded additional pills out the window as the vehicle was slowing to a stop.

A coordinated recovery effort between the Alliance Police Department and the WING Task Force led to the collection of 19 more fentanyl pills, believed to have been thrown from the vehicle.

Williamson, who was out on bond for a separate drug-related case at the time of his arrest, was transported to the Box Butte County Jail and booked on his warrant and two new felony charges: possession of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence.

Alliance police remind residents that fentanyl is extremely dangerous, and encourage anyone with information about drug activity to report it. Tips can remain anonymous and may help prevent further harm in the community.