PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

December 13, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slc.gov

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

SLCPD Motor Officer Seizes Illegal Drugs During Traffic Stop, 1 Person Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s (SLCPD) Motor Squad safely arrested a 27-year-old man and seized heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl pills during a traffic stop in the Sugar House neighborhood.

This investigation started at 8:07 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, when an SLCPD Motor officer stopped a driver for going well over the posted speed limit near 1100 East 2100 South.

During the investigation, the arresting officer saw drug paraphernalia in the back seat of the car.

Officers identified the driver as 27-year-old Santos Paulino Cruz Galindo.

During the investigation, officers found heroin, cocaine, fentanyl pills, and nearly $2,000 in cash. Some of the drugs had been concealed in Galindo’s underwear.

Officers booked Galindo into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on three charges of possession with intent to distribute, reckless driving, no valid driver’s license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

It is possible the identification given to SLCPD officers was fake because officers found no record of Cruz Galindo in the state records management 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.

Established in 1909, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Motor Squad is one of the nation’s oldest and focuses on road safety through traffic enforcement, DUI investigations, and event coordination. Officers undergo over 100 hours of specialized motorcycle training and assist with dignitary escorts, parades, funerals, and large events, providing both security and community engagement.

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