PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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SLCPD Conducts Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Interdiction Operation Along Jordan River Trail

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department, working with multiple law enforcement agencies, conducted a two-day drug interdiction operation along the Jordan River Trail.

In total, law enforcement participating in the operations, arrested more than 20 people and seized marijuana, methamphetamine, over 500 fentanyl pills, more than $2,000 in cash, and recovered two illegally possessed guns.

The operations occurred on Saturday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

The overall objective of this operation was to identify, locate, and arrest drug dealers, traffickers, and buyers along the Jordan River Trail.

The following agencies participated in the operation:

·       Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)

·       Utah Department of Corrections Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P)

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 help prevent criminal activity.

SLCPD officers conduct daily patrols along the Jordan River Trail, the Folsom Trail, and North Temple Street to disrupt criminal activity.

Recognizing the 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.

Future law enforcement operations are expected.

The following Salt Lake City Police Department assets participated:

·       SLCPD Central Bike Squad

·       SLCPD Intelligence Center

·       SLCPD Liberty Bike Squad

·       SLCPD Pioneer Bike Squad

·       SLCPD Pioneer Patrol Division

·       SLCPD Public Relations Unit

For additional information on the individuals arrested, including charges and age, please refer to the Utah Courts Xchange system.

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.

A photo from the operation on June 19, 2024 is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officer, left, takes a person into custody after the man sold drugs to undercover officers along the Jordan River Trail. A Salt Lake City police officer assigned to the Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad, right, communicates with other officers after the drug buy (SLCPD photo – June 19, 2024).

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