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SLCPD Gang Unit Investigation Yields 5 Firearms, THC Cartridges

SALT LAKE CITY — As part of an extensive ongoing investigation, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit arrested an 18-year-old man and seized a total of five firearms, drugs, and cash.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the SLCPD SWAT Team, on behalf of the Gang Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence near the Copper Club Golf Course in Magna, Utah.

During the search, SLCPD gang detectives and officers seized three handguns, a shotgun, and a rifle.

Photos of the firearms seized are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Officers arrested Jovanny Valdiviez and booked him into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of being in possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Valdiviez is now the ninth person arrested connected to this ongoing investigation.

The total number of firearms seized as part of this investigation is now at 13.

“I would like to recognize our Gang Unit for their dedication to aggressively investigating this large-scale drug trafficking operation,” said Chief Mike Brown. “The alleged criminal activity in this case has cast a shadow over our community. We know this criminal activity, as alleged, is directly linked to violent crime. The collaboration between our detectives and prosecutors working this case underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our community members.”

Since Sunday, September 3, 2023, detectives have executed five court-authorized search warrants.

During the warrants, detectives have seized more than $350,000 worth of THC cartridges, 13 handguns, more than $30,000 in cash, and other evidence.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit is responsible for investigating gang-related crimes that occur within the city’s jurisdiction. The unit consists of highly trained uniformed officers and detectives who work collaboratively with patrol divisions and other specialty squads within the SLCPD to gather information and focus on preventing gang and gun violence through education, prevention, and enforcement.

Media requesting an interview with the SLCPD PIO should submit a request either via email or online form.

Related SLCPD News Releases

·      SLCPD Gang Unit Recovers 8 Guns, $350K in THC Products, $30K in Cash

1 – A firearm seized during a drug-trafficking investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo, September 2024).

2 – A firearm seized during a drug-trafficking investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo, September 2024).

3 – A firearm seized during a drug-trafficking investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo, September 2024).

4 – A firearm seized during a drug-trafficking investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo, September 2024).

5 – A firearm seized during a drug-trafficking investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo, September 2024).

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