PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

June 20, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Patrol Officers Seize Nearly 450 Fentanyl Pills, Over $700 in Cash

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Central Patrol Division safely arrested a 54-year-old man after they conducted a court-authorized search warrant at his downtown apartment following a drug investigation.

“As a police department, we are taking a proactive and strategic approach of addressing drug trafficking,” said Chief Mike Brown. “With each drug arrest we make, we are disrupting the flow of drugs in our city. Our officers are doing incredible work addressing crime in our city. They deserve recognition for their work on this case and the dedicated community service they provide each day.”

This investigation started at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, when SLC911 received information about a drug problem at an apartment complex, located at 120 South 300 East.

Officers arrived and began their investigation. The officers could smell burning synthetic drugs coming from a specific apartment unit. Officers could hear several people inside the apartment, but no one answered the door when officers knocked. As officers continued their investigation, 54-year-old Joshua Seidman returned to the apartment and opened the door.

The officers saw several people inside the apartment unit, saw drugs and drug paraphernalia, and the smell of burning drugs got even stronger once Seidman opened the door.

Officers secured the apartment and later executed a court-authorized search warrant. During the search, officers found nearly 450 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin, and spice. Officers also found a large amount of cash and several cellphones.

Officers booked Seidman, the apartment’s tenant, into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

A photo of some of the evidence seized is being released.

Media may use this photo 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’s Central Patrol Division encompasses nine patrol squads, a District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO), a full-time bike squad, and a Homeless Resource Center Squad (HRC).

Its jurisdiction includes Salt Lake City Council Districts 3 and 4, encompassing notable parks such as Pioneer Park and Lindsey Gardens, as well as key commercial areas including the Central Business District.

With a primary focus on maintaining public safety, deterring criminal activities, helping to ensure timely emergency responses, and fostering community outreach, the Central Patrol Division plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of our community.

Photo: Salt Lake City Police seized more than $700 in cash, nearly 750 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, and several cell phones as part of a drug investigation in downtown (SLCPD photo – June 18, 2024).

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