By: Sachet A. Sullivan
A Cedar City woman is facing multiple drug-related charges after authorities say heroin, fentanyl, xanax, and drug paraphernalia were found during a traffic stop late Thursday night.
Heidi Rose Christy, 43, was arrested following a joint operation by the Cedar City Police Department and the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force, according to court documents filed in 5th District Court.
According to the court records, the task force was reportedly monitoring Christy as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation and observed her vehicle traveling on northbound I-15.
CCPD initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle failed to signal properly and crossed lane lines while exiting the freeway.
Due to intelligence linking Christy to alleged drug distribution activity, a K-9 unit was requested which conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle. Following the sniff, the K-9 officer informed authorities they were “good” to search the vehicle.
During the search, officers reportedly discovered a black case containing a small amount of heroin, multiple syringes, a burnt spoon with cotton, and assorted pills — including two blue “M-30” tablets that later tested positive for fentanyl.
A purse was also found inside the vehicle which reportedly contained pills labeled Xanax.
As the investigation continued, Christy allegedly attempted to conceal a clenched fist while exiting the vehicle. Officers said she eventually dropped a package containing 27.3 grams — approximately one ounce — of heroin.
Agents also recovered a large number of small plastic baggies consistent with narcotics distribution.
Christy initially declined to allow officers to search her vehicle and reportedly told investigators she was returning from Zion, where she had been working cleaning houses.
After agents with the drug task force used a license plate reader (LPR) system to track Christy’s vehicle to Las Vegas, they observed a quick turnaround—behavior investigators said is typical of drug trafficking operations.
“I utilized an LPR system which actually showed Heidi in Las Vegas with a quick turnaround, which is consistent with drug trafficking where narcotics are picked up in another town or state and immediately returns without spending any other time in that location,” the affidavit states.
After authorities found the ounce of heroin, Christy reportedly told investigators she had picked it up for someone else in Iron County.
Christy faces one second-degree felony for distribution of a controlled substance, three class A misdemeanors for possession of a controlled substance, and two class B misdemeanors related to drug paraphernalia.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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