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SLCPD Bike Officers Seize Cash, Illegally Trafficked Fentanyl Pills During Jordan River Trail Enforcement

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division seized more than $2,000 in cash, more than 200 fentanyl pills, and other drugs as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address criminal activity happening along the Jordan River Trail.

This investigation began around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, when two officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Pioneer Patrol Division’s Bike Squad saw a group of people illegally trespassing on the Jordan River Trail near 1240 West North Temple.

During the investigation, officers conducted a traffic stop.

Officers found 231 fentanyl pills, more than $2,000 in cash, nearly two grams of marijuana, and nearly three grams of cocaine.

Officers arrested everyone in the car on charges of being in unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The names and ages of the suspects arrested is not immediately available.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. Illegal fentanyl trafficking continues to be a major concern for the Salt Lake City Police Department and law enforcement throughout the country due to its high potency.

The Salt Lake City Police is part of a newly created task force to combat the opioid epidemic in Utah.

According to the U.S. DEA, fentanyl has saturated the drug market in Utah. It is cheaper, more potent, and more widely available than ever before.

In October 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division began increased enforcement along the Jordan River Trail and in communities along the trail to address and prevent criminal activity.

SLCPD officers conduct daily patrols along the Jordan River Trail to disrupt criminal activity.

In addition to the daily patrols, the SLCPD will continue to conduct multi-jurisdictional drug reduction operations.

Recognizing these issues required a multi-disciplinary approach, the SLCPD began coordinating with city, regional, and state agencies to address the community concerns along the Jordan River Trail.

Weekly strategy meetings with law enforcement and other stakeholders continue.

The SLCPD recognizes the work of the Utah Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P), which conducts near weekly clean-ups along the Jordan River Trail.

A photo of the evidence seized is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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