Police seize 33 pounds of illegal drugs
January 24, 2011
Written by Leia Sergakis

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Salt Lake County Unified Police Department detectives say they seized nearly 33 pounds of illegal narcotics of heroin, marijuana and cocaine in the last 7 days.

UPD Investigators say large amounts of illegal drugs have made their way into the Salt Lake Valley. Police seized the narcotics through 3 different cases and have arrested 4 individuals involved.

Police say Brian Riley is under arrest for possession of 20 pounds of Marijuana, 2 vehicles, 2 rifles, a hand gun and $3,000 in cash that was seized by investigators.

According to UPD officials, Claudio Lugo, an undocumented immigrant was arrested for possession of 6 pounds of Heroin and a handgun.

In a separate case, Edwin Barcelata, also an undocumented immigrant was arrested for the possession 7 pounds of Cocaine, and $800 cash is seized.

According to UPD Sergeant Evan Mallas, this drug bust is alarming because the department is 1 of roughly 18 law enforcement agencies in the State, and they have been proactive in seizing drugs on a daily basis. Mallas said they want to show the public what the department has done in one week's time.

Mallas hopes that with the public’s help they can make a difference.

Police asked for the public's help in reporting any suspicious activity in the area by calling the UPD tip line at 801-743-5925.

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