Nine people arrested in Vernal area drug busts, caps months-long investigation

VERNAL, Utah, May 1, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A total of nine people have been arrested after a months-long investigation into the distribution of controlled substances in the Vernal area.

“Last week the Uintah Basin Narcotic Strike Force arrested multiple individuals, which was a result of several months-long operation,” said a news release from Mike Gledhill, Uintah Basin Narcotic Strike Force Commander.

Those arrested were Donna McLean, Lewis Rivas, Lyle Shane Karren, Shaun McMickell, William Beseler, Nicole Thullen, Harley Harlan, Bryan Black and Melissa Price, the news release said. As well as charges stemming from the drug distribution investigation, Thullen was also charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and Karren was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.

In addition another individual, Casey Neves, was booked into jail on multiple arrest warrants, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Numerous additional people are being sought as a result of the investigation.

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.

Anyone in the Uintah Basin who suspects illegal drug activity is asked to call the confidential witness/tip line at 435-789-8888.

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