2 arrested in drug bust

OREM — A monthlong drug investigation has resulted in two arrests and confiscation of 21 pounds of marijuana.

A 24-year-old man and a 41-year-old man were arrested Tuesday in the parking lot of the Orem Wal-Mart, 1355 Sandhill Rd. They were later booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

Utah County's Major Crimes Task Force had been watching the men for several weeks and received information that the two planned to make a sale Tuesday night, said Lt. Mike Forshee, the task force's field director.

Acting on that tip, the officers moved in and stopped the men on a routine traffic violation. The confiscated marijuana, which police say is worth some $65,000 on the street, was packaged in three 7-pound bricks that had been shrink-wrapped, dipped in wax and bound with black tape, Forshee said.

At this point, Forshee doubts the two men were affiliated with any gangs, but police will continue to investigate their backgrounds.

"We're looking into their contacts," he said. "Their immigration status is in question right now, and we can't determine if they're here legally. That's the ongoing part."

A 12-year-old and 17-year-old also were in the car when the police pulled the car over. They were released to relatives, according to police.

The winter weather and holiday season aren't drug-trade deterrents, he said.

"It used to be that there were slow times," Forshee said. "The trend (now) is that (drug busts) are ongoing all of the time."

Forshee said the Orem Wal-Mart parking lot isn't a common place for drug deals, but because of the location, the officers had an easy time containing the individuals and making the traffic stop.

The individuals surrendered peacefully and were not armed. There was no alcohol or other drug paraphernalia in the car, Forshee said.

The marijuana will be kept until presented as evidence in court. It will then be destroyed.

The bust is the second this month for the major-crimes division.

A bust on Dec. 15 ended with two arrests for investigation of weapon and drug possession.

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