Castle Dale, Utah – A traffic stop near Huntington North Reservoir led to a significant drug bust by Emery County deputies, who seized counterfeit fentanyl pills alongside other narcotics. The operation involved a K-9 officer support and uncovered dangerous counterfeit opioids disguised as prescription medication.
During a routine traffic stop triggered by a vehicle running a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 155 and State Road 10, deputies became suspicious and utilized a K-9 to investigate further. The discovery highlights the growing threat of counterfeit fentanyl in Utah communities.
K-9 Officer Dak’s Critical Role in the Bust
The bust was initiated when an Emery County Sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle traffic violation. Shortly after, K-9 officer Dak along with his handler and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper responded on scene. Dak performed a free-air sniff around the vehicle and gave a positive alert indicating the presence of illegal substances.
- The search revealed marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other drug paraphernalia.
- Despite the quantity being relatively small, the presence of counterfeit fentanyl pills made the bust especially important.
Counterfeit Fentanyl: A Dangerous and Deadly Threat
Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington explained the risk posed by the counterfeit pills, commonly referred to as “blue bills” imprinted with an “M.” These pills are falsely marketed as oxycodone but actually contain a mix of fentanyl and other harmful substances.
“Fentanyl is much cheaper to obtain than pharmaceutical Oxycodone, which allows drug dealers to create these counterfeit pills and sell them at a higher profit. This makes fentanyl an extremely dangerous substance to have in a community, as people may unknowingly take a substance that is significantly more potent and potentially deadly.” – Sheriff Tyson Huntington
This deceptive practice puts the public at severe risk, as taking these pills unknowingly can easily lead to fatal overdoses. The counterfeit nature and potency make fentanyl a pressing concern for law enforcement and healthcare providers alike.
The Outcome and Community Impact
The suspect involved in the traffic stop was taken into custody and booked into the Emery County Jail without bail facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Sheriff Huntington commended the deputies and trooper involved for their thoroughness and dedication.
“I would personally like to thank the Emery County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and the UHP Trooper, involved in this incident. Thank you for going beyond a ‘normal’ traffic stop. Your efforts may have very well saved a life or two.” – Sheriff Tyson Huntington
Continuing Successes in Emery County Drug Enforcement
The recent seizure adds to a series of drug busts led by K-9 officer Dak in Emery County, showcasing the ongoing commitment to combatting drug trafficking in the area.
- Nearly 50 pounds of marijuana and several firearms were seized in a previous Emery County stop.
- K-9 Dak found 107 pounds of methamphetamine following an Easter egg hunt event.
- Over 100 pounds of drugs were confiscated across the county during Memorial Day weekend activities.
What do you think about the rise of counterfeit fentanyl in local communities? Have you witnessed drug enforcement efforts like this one? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
