Mike Gledhill, Uintah Basin Narcotic Strike Force Commander, issued a press release Thursday sharing that: On March 12th, 2021, Basin Narcotic and DEA Agents conducted a joint operation involving a residence in the Vernal area that was suspected of dealing illegal narcotics. These suspicions were based on a local case that the Strike Force was investigating and also a case that the DEA was investigating on the Wasatch Front. As a result of this operation, three adult males and two juveniles were charged with possession and/or distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and drug paraphernalia. The total street value of the illegal narcotics seized during this operation is valued at nearly $74,000 dollars. Because the investigation is still ongoing, those individuals apprehended will not be named at this time. On March 26th, 2021, Strike Force and Adult Probation and Parole Agents responded to a home in the Vernal area that a parolee was living at. During the encounter, nearly three ounces of methamphetamine, a large quantity of heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia were discovered. In addition to the illegal narcotics, three handguns were confiscated. Two of the handguns were discovered concealed in a shop-vac. Also, a suspected written ledger detailing the sales of narcotics was confiscated from the home. Johannah Farley was charged with multiple possession with intent to distribute offenses, possession of illegal narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, and child endangerment. Kaden Holmes was booked into jail on a board of pardons warrant and is facing Federal narcotic and weapon charges. The Strike Force is appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Agency and Adult Probation and Parole. If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call the secret witness/tip line at (435)789-8888. The Uintah Basin Narcotic Strike Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office, Roosevelt City Police Department, Uintah County Sheriff’s Office, Vernal City Police Department, and Naples City Police Department.
