SALT LAKE CITY – A 34-year-old man was arrested on January 9 after a routine patrol by detectives uncovered a substantial stash of illegal drugs, firearms, and stolen property in his motel room.
Marco Antonio Lopez, who has a history of distributing drugs, was observed by members of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team near the City Creek Inn Motel at approximately 2:15 p.m. Detectives witnessed Lopez engaging in multiple hand-to-hand transactions with individuals, which they believed were illegal drug exchanges. One of the individuals involved in the transactions was stopped and found in possession of 10 fentanyl pills, purchased from Lopez.
Following this discovery, investigators obtained a search warrant for Lopez’s motel room. The search led to the seizure of 2,500 fentanyl pills, nearly 50 grams of methamphetamine, over 15 grams of heroin, and almost 50 grams of crack cocaine. In addition to the drugs, three firearms were found, two of which were reported as stolen. Authorities also discovered $3,100 in cash and Lopez’s Mexican identification, noting that he had entered the U.S. illegally.
Lopez was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and now faces several serious charges, including three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, three counts of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, distribution of a controlled substance, theft of a firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia. All drug-related charges are classified as second-degree felonies.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown commented on the severity of the situation, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin in the community. “The people who are illegally distributing these deadly drugs — while also in illegal possession of firearms — pose an immediate danger to our public safety,” Brown said in a statement.
Lopez’s arrest is part of ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat the distribution of illicit drugs and reduce gun violence in Salt Lake City. As fentanyl and other narcotics continue to devastate communities across the nation, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their pursuit of individuals involved in the trafficking and distribution of these dangerous substances.