Cache County search turns up enough explosives to blow up a car

LOGAN, Utah — Cache County deputies say they arrested a man with enough explosives in his truck and his home to blow up a car or blast holes in a couple of walls, according to a probable cause statement filed in 1st District Court. 

Kenneth L. Ryan Hughes, 38, faces charges of recklessness involving an incendiary device. Prosecutors also charged him with possession or use of a controlled substance, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Five of the seven charges against him are felonies. 

The probable cause statement says deputies sought Hughes on outstanding warrants. Those warrants led them to his truck and his home, located in Nibley. 

“During the service of the search warrants, Kenneth was found to be in possession of several explosive devices,” the statement reads. 

Cache County deputies discover explosives during search

Between the truck and the residence, deputies said they found detonating cord, blasting caps, and black powder, all stored loosely. 

“With the amount of detcord and blasting caps, Kenneth had the ability to create two explosive devices, strong enough to blow large holes in walls or destroy a vehicle,” deputies wrote. 

Cache County deputies said in addition to the explosives, they found a variety of drugs and drug paraphernalia in the truck and home. That included fentanyl, a meth pipe, marijuana pipes, a baggie of marijuana, and more. As this did not represent a first offense related to drugs, it resulted in enhanced charges. Deputies argued against releasing Hughes on bail. 

“A heavy drug addict in possession of two very powerful explosive devices would constitute a substantial danger to the community,” they wrote in the probable cause statement. 

Hughes’ initial court appearance is scheduled for July 31. 

Related: 

• West Valley police safely arrest suspect with homemade explosives
• Two blasts, hours apart, signal end of South Jordan explosives scare

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