Strike force seizes drugs in Ogden

OGDEN — Police in Weber County broke up a drug distribution operation at an Ogden home Thursday.

They arrested two men and one juvenile and seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Agents from the Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force had been observing the home at 2979 Adams Ave. for more than a month, said Sgt. Troy Burnett.

On Thursday, they called on Ogden police to help them pull over a vehicle that left the home and committed several traffic violations.

One of the men who was arrested, Jose Corona-Espinoza, and the juvenile tried to escape and fought police. One officer suffered a broken bone, an injury that will require surgery, Burnett said.

Two pounds of marijuana, worth about $2,000, were found in the car.

After securing a search warrant, the strike force entered the home, where agents discovered large amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana and paraphernalia for the distribution operation inside the home.

Burnett said drug dealers have begun using juveniles because they generally receive lighter jail sentences than adults.

Corona-Espinoza, 31, and Rodolfo Mata-Lopez, 26, both were arrested and booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of drug distribution and possession.

Several other occupants were cited for misdemeanor drug crimes. A fugitive juvenile was found inside the home, and he was transported to the Weber Valley Detention Center.

Burnett said the strike force will seek enhancements on the drug charges where adults used the juveniles to further their drug distribution operation.

— Joseph M. Dougherty