Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Gene Kennedy reportingWeeks of watching and waiting apparently paid off for deputies who made a drug bust in Cottonwood Heights this morning.
Around six this morning, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office served a narcotic's warrant at a home law enforcement officials say was a meth distribution center.
Robbie Russo/Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "This is very surprising here for Cottonwood Heights. but we are sending out a clear message that if you come up here to Cottonwood Heights, and you are selling drugs here, we remove you forthwith"
Three people were busted for distributing meth, a woman and two men. They were all renters in the home.
The bust came out of a neighborhood you might not expect to have this kind of problem. The neighborhood, located near the intersection of Creek Road and Danish Road, is full of upscale homes. The people in the area say the home where the bust occurred is the eyesore of neighborhood.
Bonnie Stroud, Cottonwood Height's Neighbor: "I'm not surprised, because I could tell that she was a little different, a different class of person. I am not saying that she wasn't a good person, just that she was down and out. I wondered how she could afford the rent. "
Cottonwood Height's Neighbor: "Probably the only thing that I have noticed is when I am walking by, is the cars, driving by different times of the day."
Patricia Menlove, Neighbor Across the Street: "I am not surprised. Around here it is easy to get about anything you want. At least that is what I have heard from my children and children around the neighborhood. (reporter question: ‘In terms of you can just buy it in the neighborhood?') Sure, you can get it. (reporter question: ‘But this is Cottonwood Heights? This is a nice area?') That's even better. It's good cover."
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department says that the individuals were not making meth in the home, but were using it to package the drug, and then distribute it. They think the distribution center had been operating for a couple of weeks.
At this point, the Sheriff's department in not sure where the drugs were coming in from.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, says with the bust, it is now a fresh start for the neighborhood.
"I will be very, very glad to have something happen here, and get it cleaned up, so that I can feel better and safer in my home."
Residents that KSL talked to say the owner of the home had been renting to the downtrodden, to help them move up in life. They hope that the bust is a wakeup call for the owner.
