PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

November 29, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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SLCPD Detectives Arrest Man for Illegally Hiding Fentanyl Pills in Car’s Speaker

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) have arrested a 27-year-old man who is accused of illegally hiding and transporting fentanyl pills in his car.

This investigation started at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, when SLCPD VCAT detectives conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Anival R. Montoya near 400 South Redwood Road.

During the investigation, a narcotics detection K-9 Unit alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the car.

Detectives conducted a search of the car and found approximately 100 fentanyl pills inside a hidden compartment of the car’s dashboard.

Detectives arrested Montoya and booked him into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of driving on a suspended or revoked license, altering a vehicle’s compartment for contraband, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is dedicated to combating the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as fentanyl.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid. Even a small amount of fentanyl can result in a drug overdose.

Anyone with information about drug trafficking in Salt Lake City can call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip using the City Protect App.

In the event of a drug overdose, community members are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

There are no photos available for release in this case.

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.

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