Two arrests after “clandestine narcotics lab” found in SLC apartment
Jan 24, 2021, 2:18 PM
Salt Lake C Fire, hazmat, and healtityh officials were all called to the scene of a fire in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday. Photo credit: SLC Fire
SALT LAKE CITY — Police booked two people into the Salt Lake County jail early Sunday morning on suspicion of operating a “clandestine narcotics lab” in a downtown Salt Lake City apartment building, the scene of a fire the day before.
Investigators accused Brianna Westre, age 22, and Ryan Joseph Cahouet, age 26, of operating a drug lab, a felony offense.
Westre has outstanding third- and second-degree felony warrants for the previous distribution of a controlled substance, according to charging documents.
Salt Lake City Fire Department contacted police about a possible drug lab after extinguishing the fire at 360 South and 400 West on Saturday afternoon, police said in a probable cause statement.
Crews investigating a suspicious fire at 360 S 400 W. Fire was confined by sprinklers. Two units effected. Two individuals assessed for smoke inhalation on scene no other reported injuries. The roadway will remain closed as the investigation continues. Please avoid the area pic.twitter.com/xuJC8BZR5u
— Salt Lake City Fire Department (@slcfire) January 23, 2021
With a warrant in hand, police searched the suspected narcotics lab and found chemicals and other items used to make illegal drugs, according to the statement.
Police say they also found the amphetamine MDMA (typically called Ecstasy or Molly) along with packaged marijuana and paraphernalia used to smoke drugs.
The fire and related investigation closed a portion of 360 South and 400 West for a time on Saturday. Emergency responders treated and released two people at the scene for smoke inhalation.
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