In a significant crackdown on drug crimes, Salt Lake City Police Department's (SLCPD) Special Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the DEA and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, apprehended two individuals suspected of circulating fentanyl. More than 8,000 suspected fentanyl pills were seized in the operation, according to SLCPD. Cocaine, marijuana, and substantial cash were also recovered as part of the bust.

An undercover operation at Cottonwood Park paved the way for the sting that culminated Tuesday night. A traffic stop led by officers at the intersection of Bridgton Drive and South Molly Drive in Magna became the focal point when a narcotic detection dog alerted officers to the presence of suspected drugs in the vehicle. The search warrant by the court enabled detectives to carry out further investigation near 6500 West 3900 South in West Valley City. During the operation, authorities not only discovered the large stash of pills but also confiscated suspected cocaine, marijuana, and $28,186 in cash.

The individuals taken into custody were Santos Alvarez-Cantor, 27, and Santos Alvarenga, 42. Alvarez-Cantor stands charged with possession of a controlled substance and four counts of possession with intent to distribute, while Alvarenga faces a charge of distribution of a controlled substance. They were both taken to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. 

The operation also witnessed the involvement of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Homeless Resource Center (HRC) Squad. With this coordinated effort, SLCPD expressed gratitude towards the collaborative agencies for their dedication to disrupting the drug trade in the city. The confiscated materials and the cash are currently held as evidence as the investigation continues to progress. Further details may shift as revealed by the ongoing investigation and more comprehensive reviews.