DPS NEWS

DPS Week 21 Operation Rio Grande Update

Significant Updates:

• Latest statistics: the numbers of jail booked arrests are continuing to decrease as Operation Rio Grande continues. The number of arrests with a use of force was zero during week 21. There were 32 drug-related arrests during this week. Since the operation began on August 14, the grand total jail booked arrests is now 2,609.
• Since the start of Operation Rio Grande, 165 charges have been filed for drug distribution. These are tied to active investigations.
• DPS introduced its new K9 team that will patrol and be a part of the Rio Grande district. Trooper Mike Terry and K9 Ike, a Springer Spaniel, will be assigned to Operation Rio Grande and its neighboring community. Ike is a sole purpose dog who will be responsible for sniffing out drugs in the area. More importantly, ‘Mike and Ike’ will become part of the community. The public can expect to see them at local events like farmers markets, concerts, as well as patrolling the safe space. Ike is the first Springer Spaniel to become a K9 for DPS. To learn more about ‘Mike and Ike”, watch the KSL-TV story below.
• SBI agents have now served 20 search warrants since the beginning of Operation Rio Grande.

Ongoing Actions:

• SBI and the State Information and Analysis Center (SIAC) are coordinating with Salt Lake Valley Police agencies to address drug distribution in their respective areas that may be connected to Operation Rio Grande.
• 40+ DPS troopers and agents continue to police the area.

Website:

• For more details about Operation Rio Grande and non-law enforcement efforts, see operationriogrande.utah.gov.