FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2025

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PolicePIO@slc.gov

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SLCPD Detectives Arrest 54-Year-Old Woman Accused of Manufacturing, Selling Drugs

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) have safely arrested a 54-year-old woman who is accused of maintaining a drug lab to allegedly manufacture and sell drugs.

At approximately 12 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, SIU detectives executed a search warrant at a residence near 1300 West 800 South.

During the investigation, detectives found 59 grams of suspected cocaine, 49 suspected fentanyl pills, $380 in cash, and equipment to make cocaine.

Based on the available evidence, detectives developed probable cause centered on drug manufacturing and distribution.

Officers arrested 54-year-old Bernice Oneal and booked her into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on suspicion of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and unlawful operation of a clandestine laboratory.

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 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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