Ogden, UT – A Vernal man is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested on January 8 for allegedly trafficking a large quantity of drugs. Ashley Atwood, 42, was stopped by Utah County sheriff’s deputies for several minor traffic violations while driving a Toyota Tundra towing a trailer on northbound I-15 near Santaquin. The stop, which occurred around 4 p.m., led to the discovery of approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine, along with cocaine, heroin, and other illegal substances.
According to charging documents, a K-9 unit was called to the scene, where the dog conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle. This led deputies to search the truck and trailer, yielding a large amount of drugs. Authorities report that the methamphetamine seized represented roughly 275,300 individual doses, while the heroin and cocaine found amounted to about 1,000 and 600 individual doses, respectively.
Atwood now faces a slew of serious charges, including three first-degree felonies: meth, cocaine, and heroin possession with intent to distribute. He has also been charged with money laundering, a second-degree felony, and THC possession with intent to distribute, a third-degree felony. Additional charges include being a restricted person in possession of a firearm, drug paraphernalia possession, and four traffic violations.
The arrest has raised further concerns about drug trafficking in the region. Atwood allegedly told police that he had traveled to Phoenix to pick up the drugs and race his go-kart, according to the charges.
Atwood remains in custody pending his next court appearance. Authorities have not disclosed any further details about his alleged activities or connections to broader drug networks.