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WEST VALLEY CITY -- A tip from a narcotics investigation in Midvale ended with a sting operation at a West Valley market Friday. The bust netted drugs, alcohol, cash and guns.
The market in question is El Centenario Market, located at 2737 S. Redwood Road. Investigators sent in confidential informants to buy some of the illegal items that were allegedly being sold there, then moved in for the bust Friday evening.
Officers found several illegal drugs, including black market tequila and cigarettes, as well as cocaine. They also seized several pirated DVDs -- both Hollywood movies and pornography -- along with computers, guns and $6,000 to $8,000 in cash.
Finally, investigators found falsified IDs, Social Security cards and other documents inside.
"When I spoke with the detective on scene, he was surprised. He indicated the amount of things, illegal items, on sale at this business was a bit overwhelming, a lot more than he expected," said Midvale Police Sgt. Marcelo Rapela. "It appeared this business probably has been going on for awhile."
Three people were arrested: the man who ran the store and two managers. Police say at least two of them are in the country illegally. They also believe the documents of the third person may be counterfeit.
Detectives are now interviewing the suspects and hope to move up the chain, so to speak, and arrest their suppliers.
The trio is currently being held on felony state charges, but investigators expect federal charges will follow soon.
As for the market, there is a sign on the door restating it will open tomorrow, but police say it's closed for good.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
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