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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2025 Media Contact Information |
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SLCPD Detectives Arrests Suspect in Drug, Firearms Investigation Following Court-Authorized SearchSALT LAKE CITY — Detectives assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s (SLCPD) Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) have safely arrested a suspect and seized a significant quantity of illegal drugs and firearms, including stolen weapons. Detectives booked the suspect into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail last week following the execution of a court-authorized search warrant. The suspect’s name is not being released as the investigation continues. Last week, SLCPD detectives conducted a traffic stop involving the suspect shortly after observing him leave his residence. Officers safely took the suspect into custody and recovered approximately 1.25 pounds of plant marijuana from his vehicle. During the investigation, detectives uncovered an additional 10 pounds of marijuana, more than 600 THC cartridges, seven handguns, two shotguns, one rifle, and drug paraphernalia. Two of the seized firearms had been previously reported stolen. Official records show the suspect is a restricted person under Utah law and is prohibited from possessing firearms. This arrest reflects the SLCPD’s ongoing commitment to the strategic dismantling of illegal drug distribution networks and the recovery of illegally possessed firearms. It also underscores the experience and expertise of our officers and detectives, which allow them to safely remove large quantities of illegal drugs and illegal weapons from our city. The suspect faces multiple felony charges including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, multiple counts of being in unlawful possession of a firearm by a restricted person and receiving stolen firearms. This remains an ongoing investigation. 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. The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) focuses on identifying and arresting violent offenders and fugitives throughout the city. As part of the Special Operations Division, VCAT works closely with SLCPD’s Investigations, Patrol, Data and Research, and Crime Intelligence and Analysis units to target crime hotspots and respond to emerging violent crime trends. By coordinating with the Salt Lake Information Center and other specialized teams, VCAT plays a key role in disrupting repeat offenders and enhancing public safety. The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change. ###
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