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SLCPD Conducts Operation Targeted at Reducing Drug Trafficking

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers and detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department arrested three people and seized more than 100 fentanyl pills as part of an operation to reduce drug trafficking along North Temple Street.

This two-day operation, conducted on December 7 and December 8, 2023, included detectives from the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Pioneer Division Bike Squad, and patrol officers.

“We remain focused on disrupting any criminal element in our city to protect our neighborhoods,” said Chief Mike Brown. “I want to acknowledge the work of our detectives, patrol officers, and bike squads. Because of their efforts, we are being successful at reducing crime and keeping our city safe.”

The operation focused primarily between 900 West and 1300 West on North Temple Street.

During the operation, officers and detectives identified several individuals involved in the distribution of controlled substances.

Officers arrested 43-year-old Luis Echevarria, 30-year-old Christopher Jarrett, and 25-year-old Marvin Perez-Sierra on various charges.

The operation also recovered brass knuckles, cash, and 139 fentanyl pills.

Detectives also developed additional information that will help in future drug-trafficking investigations.

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

Salt Lake City Police SIU detectives received assistance throughout the operation from patrol officers, including an officer whose patrol beat includes North Temple Street.

Over several months, the officer developed information regarding drug sales on the Jordan River Trail. The officer spent time conducting surveillance and proactive policing.

“This proactive approach illustrates the dedication and commitment of our patrol officers,” said Chief Mike Brown.

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.

Several photos from the operation are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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.

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officer assigned to the Liberty Patrol Division talks with several people along North Temple Street as part of a drug trafficking operation (SLCPD photo, December 7, 2023).

Photo: Evidence seized by officers during a two-day drug operation included cash, brass knuckles, and fentanyl pills (SLCPD photo, December 8, 2023).

Photo: A Salt Lake City police officer assigned to the Pioneer Bike Squad conducts a search of a person stopped along the Jordan River Trail as part of an effort to reduce drug trafficking (SLCPD photo, December 8, 2023).

Photo: An officer assigned to the Pioneer Patrol Division speaks with a man near the Jordan River Trail as part of a drug trafficking operation (SLCPD photo, December 8, 2023).

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