EMERY COUNTY, Utah — A K-9 with the Emery County Sheriff’s Office helped uncover over 100 pounds of illegal drugs during a vehicle search this Easter weekend, according to officials.
The dog, named Dak, was praised by Sheriff Tyson Huntington in a social media post on Saturday, which read: “I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weekend. Dak sure is. Saturday morning Dak warmed up with an Easter egg hunt and then went to work.”
While conducting routine operations, Dak alerted deputies to possible narcotics in a vehicle, prompting a full search. The investigation led to the discovery of approximately 107 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as three kilograms of an unidentified white powder.
Due to the high risk of accidental fentanyl exposure, deputies no longer conduct on-site field testing of white powders, Sheriff Huntington said. However, the substance is suspected to be either cocaine or fentanyl.
This drug seizure highlights growing concerns tied to stimulant-related fatalities. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment reveals that stimulants—especially methamphetamine—are responsible for 31% of drug-related deaths nationwide. Preliminary data from the CDC indicates that over 17,000 people died from stimulant overdoses and poisonings during the first half of 2023 alone.
While fentanyl remains a leading cause of drug overdoses, health experts warn that meth can be deadly in large doses. It can cause elevated heart rates and blood pressure, potentially triggering heart attacks or strokes.
Another growing concern is the impact of meth use in extreme heat. Reports show that methamphetamine is increasingly cited as a contributing factor in heat-related deaths. As a stimulant, meth raises body temperature, disrupts the body’s natural ability to cool itself, and puts added stress on the heart—making hot weather especially dangerous for users.
Authorities continue to investigate the source and destination of the seized narcotics. Sheriff Huntington commended his team and K-9 Dak for their vigilance and dedication to keeping dangerous substances off Utah’s roads.
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