One alleged organization was recently busted here in Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported that a former Ogden man was identified by law enforcement agencies as a major leader in a multi-state drug organization that was bringing large quantities of drugs into the Weber County area. In all, police say, approximately 61 people now face serious felony charges related to drug crimes.
The former Ogden man was arrested at the same time as nine of his alleged associates in Weber County. By the time all arrests were made, authorities had seized cash and assets totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. They also reportedly seized large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.
Whenever a large drug bust occurs, law enforcement agencies like to tout their accomplishments in the media. But even though 61 people are facing more than 180 felony charges at the moment, this may change in the coming weeks and months.
Some defendants will likely take plea deals in exchange for information, and others may have certain charges dropped for lack of evidence. It is also important to remember that any time authorities seek to take out a large criminal operation, they cast a wide net and there is much potential for error. As such, certain individuals may be erroneously implicated and charged when they had little or nothing to do with the alleged drug trafficking.
For these and other reasons, it’s important for anyone charged with drug crimes to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, “61 people to be charged as part of Weber County drug ring,” Janelle Stecklein, Jan. 15, 2014
