DPS NEWS

Operation Rio Grande Op Results in 40 Arrests

Agents with the Utah Department of Public Safety and multiple law enforcement agencies from across the Salt Lake Valley collaborated on an operation to take down criminal activity across the Salt Lake Valley. This operation was based on direct intelligence gathered through Operation Rio Grande.

On the morning of December 12 officers from DPS’ State Bureau of Investigation, Salt Lake City Police, Unified Police, Murray Police, South Salt Lake Police, Adult Probation and Parole, Utah Transit Authority, Cottonwood Heights Police, and West Valley City Police arrested a total of 40 individuals for drug related charges. 33 of those individuals were arrested for drug distribution.

SBI operations that morning focused on criminal activity in close proximity to the Rio Grande District and near North Temple Trax platforms. Agents made 12 arrests and recovered 1 stolen gun.

This is an excellent example of police agencies working together and building partnerships that make all of our communities safer,” said Commissioner Keith Squires of the Utah Department of Public Safety. “Through this collaborative effort, our officers were able to successfully arrest individuals who are bringing drugs and crime into neighborhoods throughout the valley. ”

This is an active investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Agencies participating:

• SBI, SLCPD, UPD, AP&P, Murray PD, South Salt Lake PD, WVC PD, Cottonwood Heights PD, UTA, ICE

SBI stats:

• 12 total arrests, 10 for distribution and 2 for arranging, $26k in warrants, 2 NCICs, and 1 stolen gun

All agencies stats:

Arrests – 40

Drug distribution related arrests – 33

ICE Detainers – 4

AP&P calls for service – 2

Firearms (stolen) – 1