SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s top law enforcement officials are sounding the alarm about a rise in heroin-fueled violent robberies, calling on state lawmakers to approve more money for heroin recovery centers.
U.S. Attorney John Huber joined state, local and federal law officers this week in warning about a “heroin tsunami” that has resulted in a dramatic increase in arrests and seizures of the narcotic in Utah.
Huber said he believes a spike in violent robberies in Salt Lake City is directly tied to the surge in heroin addiction, according to the Deseret News.
“Although we have sympathy for those struggling and suffering with addiction, we have no tolerance for violent crimes committed by addicts,” Huber said. He also sent a message to those who rob banks or commit serial robberies while threatening violence: “Whether they use a note or knife, they face the possibility of going to a far-off federal prison for a long time.”
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