Crack cocaine laboratory found across from Park City High

Ryan Bittan
·2 min read
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PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Detectives served a search warrant on a residence located across from Park City High School on Friday, March 8, and found a clandestine lab meant for producing crack cocaine, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan O’niell Bertagnole, 60, was arrested in Summit County on operation of a clandestine laboratory (first-degree felony), distribution of a controlled substance – drug free zone (second-degree felony), category I restricted person transaction – firearm (first-degree felony), among other charges.

On March 8, detectives served a search warrant at a home on the 1600 block of Lucky John Dr. in Park City. Upon arrival, detectives found Bertagnole in the driveway of his residence.

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“This is the long time residence of Bertagnole and his address of record that is listed on his Utah State drivers license,” a probable cause affidavit states.

Detectives detained Bertagnole and searched the home. They reportedly found substances that later tested positive for methamphetamine and THC, as well as drug parphernalia. In Bertagnole’s pockets, detectives also found substances that tested positive for crack cocaine and THC.

During the search of the residence, detectives found “equipment and precursors, including cocaine, baking soda, propane torches, cooking pans, residue, and packaging materials,” the affidavit states.

These items are commonly used to synthesize crack cocaine, police said. A K9 on scene also found the presence of drug odor in the area.

“I had reason to believe that Bertagnole is engaged in or aiding the production of Crack Cocaine via a clandestine Laboratory,” the affidavit states.

Near the laboratory, police also found a gun locker. Bertagnole reportedly provided police with a key and officers found an AR-15-style rifle with magazines and ammunition.

Police also found a “large fist sized chard of methamphetamine” in the same area, consistent with non-personal use and an amount that “someone who deals dangerous drugs would be in possession of,” the affidavit states. “Ryan Bertagnole was operating a clandestine lab to produce illegal narcotics as well as distributing dangerous drugs with in 40 feet of the Park City Highschool Seminary building.”

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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