UPDATE:
Drug seizure amounts:
9 ounces of methamphetamine
6 ounces of heroin
3 ounces of marijuana
2 ounces of psilocybin (mushrooms)
10 vials of anabolic human steroids
An ounce equals 28.35 grams.
Approximate street value of meth is $100 per gram, about 255 grams, total value is about $25,500.
Heroin is about $120 per gram, about 170 grams, total value is about $20,400.
Marijuana street value is about $270 an ounce, total value is about $810.
Price City Police Department Press Release
For months, the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force has been utilizing a variety of investigative means to uncover alleged illegal narcotics activities at the Thomas Albert Sanchez residence at 390 N 100 E in Price. The residence is reputed to be an illegal drug den and has allegedly been the site of other violent criminal acts. These investigative efforts have been spearheaded by agents Mike Adams and Stephen Regruto.
At 4:30 a.m. on the morning of January 16, the agents, assisted by officers from Price City Police, Helper City Police and deputies from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant on the Sanchez residence, issued by the Seventh District Court. Deputies from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team comprised the initial entry team. Surprise entry technologies and tactics were utilized by the team. No officer or deputy was injured, and Thomas Albert Sanchez, DOB 9-26-84, was also safely taken into custody, along with his girlfriend, who also lives at the residence, Sheena Lee Brimhall, DOB 1-21-94.
Under the direction of the agents, officers and deputies began searching the premises in accordance with the terms of the search warrant. Numerous items of paraphernalia and personal amounts of various types of illegal drugs were located throughout the residence including items in close proximity and actually under children’s toys. Just under $15,000 cash was seized.
Six firearms were located, some loaded, along with corresponding stashes of ammunition. Written documentation of some of Sanchez’ transactions was also located.
Sanchez kept his substantial load of illegal narcotics for alleged distribution in a secret hiding place. This specific location was discovered by deputy Brandon Wilson. Methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, psychotropic mushrooms and anabolic steroids are among the drugs located.
When reports are completed, the agents will be applying to have the money and the residence forfeited as illegal narcotics activity assets.
At this time (1-16-16 @ 1200), Sanchez has been taken to the Carbon County Jail. Agents will book him on a variety of felony level drug and weapons charges. Sheena Brimhall has also been taken to jail and will be booked on the same drug charges, as well as a misdemeanor traffic warrant out of the Carbon County Justice Court.
Sanchez has two prior arrests and Brimhall has no prior arrests.
The Carbon County Attorney will review final reports and determine appropriate formal charges. The agents and the Carbon County Attorney’s Office will be in communication with federal authorities to determine if this case should be prosecuted in the federal system.
Because of the ongoing and fluid nature of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
