1000 fentanyl pills seized in operation on Jordan River Trail
Feb 23, 2025, 5:00 PM | Updated: 5:10 pm
FILE — Five people were arrested and an estimated 1,000 fentanyl pills were seized in a Salt Lake City Police Department operation along the Jordan River Trail. (SLCPD)
(SLCPD)
SALT LAKE CITY — Five people were arrested and an estimated 1,000 fentanyl pills were seized in a Salt Lake City Police Department operation along the Jordan River Trail.
In a press release from the SLCPD, the operation occurred on Feb. 22, near 500 N. Redwood Rd.
SLCPD’s Pioneer Patrol Division coordinated the operation to crack down on criminal activity along the trail, according to the press release.
“As officers moved in, several people ran away,” the press release stated.
After a foot pursuit, officers said they arrested 48-year-old David Lopez.
SLCPD said Lopez had what looked like fentanyl pills. While running, Lopez allegedly ditched several items, including a BB gun.
Police said Lopez was a person of interest in a property crime-related offense that happened in West Valley City.
Officers also arrested 33-year-old Javier Omar Balle-Hernandez after finding him to be in alleged possession of 1,000 suspected fentanyl pills, according to the press release.
Police said Balle-Hernandez allegedly tried to run from officers and provided false information to officers.
The SLCPD said both men were booked into Salt Lake County Metro Jail for several charges.
An additional three, unnamed people were arrested, bringing the total to five, per the press release. All of the suspects were allegedly in possession of drugs and/or had outstanding arrest warrants.
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