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MIDVALE — Nearly $800,000 worth of drugs, a stolen handgun and two live grenades were seized by a task force Friday, Unified Police Department reported Tuesday.
The seizure was part of a drug trafficking investigation by several departments throughout Salt Lake and Utah counties. Detectives have been working on the joint investigation focusing on an organization smuggling methamphetamine and heroin into the Salt Lake Valley.
An investigator learned that a man who was wanted on several outstanding warrants had checked into a room at Staybridge Suites at 747 Blue Vista Lane, according to Unified police. Information also indicated the man, 38-year-old Anthony Richard Aguilera, had a handgun and narcotics in the room with him, police reported.
Around 9:45 p.m. Friday, investigators lured Aguilera to the hotel's front desk and arrested him. Investigators used a search warrant to investigate Aguilera's room, where they found a suitcase filled with 23.6 pounds of meth, 5.5 pounds of heroin, a handgun stolen out of Spokane, Washington, and two live grenades, Unified reported.
Investigating agencies include Taylorsville Precinct Street Crimes Unit, Metro Gang Unit and members of the Utah County Major Crimes Taskforce.
Contributing: Alex Cabrero