PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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SLCPD Seize Drugs, Gun, Cash During Patrol Operation

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department released information and photos about a crime suppression operation involving its three bike squads, the department’s K-9 Squad, and members of the department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT).

On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department launched a coordinated effort to proactively address and reduce crime in the department’s Pioneer, Central, and Liberty patrol divisions. The objectives focused on reducing violent crime, drug trafficking, gang activity, and gathering valuable information about crime trends in the city.

The operation also allowed officers to conduct high-visibility patrols, engage with community members, and allowed patrol officers to take other calls for service.

While patrolling downtown, an officer assigned to the department’s Liberty Bike Squad found a stolen e-bike, valued at $5,000. Officers returned the e-bike to the registered owner.

During the operation, officers performed approximately 20 traffic stops, seized a firearm, recovered a stolen SUV, and recovered drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl pills. Officers arrested one person and booked them into jail.

Officers also helped the department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) execute a court-authorized search warrant.

Several photos from the operation are being released. Video from the operation will be posted on the SLCPD’s Instagram page. Media may share and use the photos and video with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The Salt Lake City Police Department will continue to conduct crime suppression operations in the future.

As of August 20, 2023, violent crime in Salt Lake City is down 10% while overall crime in the city is down 16%.

1 – A Salt Lake City Police K-9 unit, specializing in drug detection, conducts a search of a car stopped as part of a drug trafficking investigation (SLCPD photo, August 03, 2023).

2 – A handgun is shown with two loaded magazines. The items were seized during a crime suppression operation (SLCPD photo, August 03, 2023).

3 – During a crime suppression operation, officers seized drugs and cash (SLCPD photo, August 3, 2023).

4 – Two Salt Lake City Police officers collect evidence, including drugs and money, following a foot pursuit (SLCPD photo, August 3, 2023).

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