15,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized by New Drug Task Force in Utah County

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has launched its new Drug Interdiction Team, and it’s already making a significant impact. Within just 40 minutes of its inaugural shift, deputies seized over 15,000 fentanyl pills.

The breakthrough came on Saturday when the team stopped a vehicle for speeding on I-15 near Nephi. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies uncovered approximately 3.5 pounds of fentanyl pills — wrapped in foil inside a grocery bag — valued at an estimated $100,000 on the street. The driver, Yolanda Marcie Leon, 42, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession with intent to distribute.

The arrest took a surprising turn when Leon attempted to conceal drug paraphernalia and additional fentanyl pills in the back of the patrol car while she was being transported. The situation escalated when a small bag of methamphetamine fell out of her shirt during processing at the Juab County Jail, leading to additional charges.

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The creation of the new Drug Interdiction Team was made possible with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The team, composed of patrol deputies, has been tasked with focusing on drug interdiction efforts while continuing their regular duties.

Unlike the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, which focuses heavily on undercover operations and relies on informants, the Drug Interdiction Team is dedicated to identifying individuals transporting drugs along the state’s highways. The team benefits from cooperation with agencies like the Utah Highway Patrol and Juab County, allowing deputies to perform their duties beyond their own jurisdictions.

Sheriff’s office officials say that this collaborative approach will help tackle the growing drug crisis and enhance the department’s ability to curb trafficking on the state’s roadways.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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