During the search of the vehicle, a small bag with a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine allegedly was found. A bag with syringes was also allegedly found. The driver of the vehicle was charged with suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in a drug free zone, as well as suspicion of DUI metabolite.
A 19-year-old female passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody when syringes allegedly were found in her purse. She was charged with suspicion of drug paraphernalia in a drug free zone.
Another passenger in the vehicle was a 29-year-old man. An officer interviewing him asked if they had a room at the motel they were seen leaving. The man said they did. Officers asked him for consent to search the room. When he hesitated, officers allegedly told him that he didn’t have to allow the search, but he said he would cooperate.
During the search of the room, which was registered to the man, officers allegedly found a blue backpack containing prescription drugs and heroin. This led to the man being charged with suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug free zone and possession of alprazolam, oxycodone and heroin.
A 21-year-old man who was in the room when police arrived allegedly admitted to having drug paraphernalia in his belongings. Officers reportedly found a marijuana pipe and a piece of burnt tin foil in the man’s backpack after getting consent to search it. He was charged with suspicion of drug paraphernalia in a drug free zone. He also had a warrant out for retail theft.
All four of these individuals now have to face the criminal justice system. They have a right to defend themselves against these drug charges. Understanding the Utah laws affecting their cases might help them decide how to proceed.
Source: Daily Herald, “Routine traffic stop leads to drugs, four arrests” Candi Higley, Jun. 18, 2014
