Large quantity of meth and guns seized as Orem man arrested

OREM — An Orem man who police say is involved in the trafficking of guns and large quantities of meth has been arrested.

Rogelio "Roger" Ibarra-Garcia, 31, was booked into the Utah County Jail on Tuesday for investigation of engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity, drug possession with intent to distribute, child endangerment, five counts of obstructing justice, five counts of possession or transferring of a firearm by a restricted person and having a stolen vehicle.

On Tuesday, detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force served a search warrant at Ibarra-Garcia's residence. Methamphetamine was found inside an open tool bag on the kitchen counter, and a motorcycle reported as stolen was found in the living room, according to a police booking affidavit.

Investigators also searched a Toyota Tundra parked at the residence and found 15 pounds of meth inside, with an estimated street value of more than $137,000, the affidavit states.

While Ibarra-Garcia's home was being searched, another warrant was served at the home of one of his associates. There, investigators found Ibarra-Garcia had given five guns to a 17-year-old boy to hold on to, according to the affidavit.

"He explained he does not use or carry the guns but buys and sells them for a quick profit," the affidavit states. "Roger admitted that he is deeply involved in a criminal enterprise of drug distribution."

Ibarra-Garcia allegedly told police he sold an estimated 3 pounds of meth in the past three days.

"Additionally, he's involved in the illegal transfer and sales of firearms and was in possession of a stolen vehicle, establishing a criminal enterprise and pattern of unlawful activity," investigators wrote in the affidavit.

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