| Law enforcement photos document the evidence collected at the conclusion of an intensive five-month investigation conducted by the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force and federal DEA authorities. The investigation culminated Aug. 4 in the arrests of four individuals and the seizure of eight pounds of suspected methamphetamine, seven pounds of suspected marijuana, one and one-half pounds of suspected cocaine and several weapons. |
In the early morning hours of Aug. 4, a five-month joint investigation by the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration culminated in the arrests of four individuals and the seizure of eight pounds of suspected methamphetamine, seven pounds of suspected marijuana and one and one-half pounds of suspected cocaine.
Criminal investigators also confiscated $8,700 in cash, three motor vehicles and three firearms in connection with the case.
The authorities estimated the street value of the suspected methamphetamine at $300,000.
The four subjects and the associates of the individuals were allegedly responsible for transporting more 50 pounds of methamphetamine into the area per month, indicated the investigating law enforcement agencies.
Reportedly, the group of suspects has used Carbon County as a central hub for drug trafficking ventures between Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.
The drug task force launched an intensive investigation into the organization approximately five months ago. When the magnitude of the case started to grow, the local law enforcement agency requested assistance from the DEA.
On Aug. 4, the local and federal agencies conducted a search of two mobile homes and a vehicle in Pillings Trailer Court, located at 899 North 750 West in Price. Drug dogs from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and Helper City Police Department assisted in the search.
The drug dogs reportedly located four ounces of suspected methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia inside one residence.
After discovering the suspected meth, the drug canines also detected possible controlled substances in a vehicle outside the residence.
A search warrant involving the vehicle was executed by the local and federal law enforcement investigators.
The bulk of the suspected illicit drugs was reportedly discovered concealed behind the vehicle’s dash board.
The vehicle was susequently transported from the scene to the county sheriff’s office, where the suspected drugs were removed.
Arrested in connection with the intensive drug investigation were 27-year-old Abel Atienzo, 31-year-old Angel Perez Olivar, 30-year-old Jose Rosario and 39-year-old Francisco Quinones.
The law enforcement agencies indicated that the suspects face being charged in federal court with possession of with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In addition, the four male subjects may be charged with various weapons offenses and immigration violations.
The Aug. 4 law enforcement action represents the most substantial suspected drug seizure conducted in the history of the county task force, concluded the investigating agencies