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SALINA, Sevier County — An Iowa father and two of his adult children were arrested after being stopped by the Utah Highway Patrol Monday.
The family was traveling in a Chevrolet HHR on I-70 near Salina in Sevier County when troopers stopped the vehicle at about 8 a.m., according to UHP.
Investigators said that a K-9 indicated on the vehicle and troopers subsequently located 55 pounds of marijuana and a loaded .32-caliber handgun.
All three occupants of the vehicle are residents of Storm Lake, Iowa, according to UHP. The father, Abel Medina Rios, was arrested along with 28-year-old Raquel Medina and 26-year-old Abel Medina. They were booked into the Sevier County jail.
UHP reported that after the three family members were booked into jail, investigators in Iowa seized two firearms, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, drug packaging material, cellphones and $2,681 while executing three search warrants. The Iowa investigators also found other equipment believed to be associated with illegal drug distribution, according to UHP.
"Utah DPS-SBI agents worked hand-in-hand with Iowa authorities to arrest those that would bring the drug trade, and the guns used in that trade, to our communities," Utah Department of Public Safety Maj. Brian Redd said in a statement.
The incident is still under investigation in both states, according to UHP. Officials said members of the family who were arrested could face charges for felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.
