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Emery Today
By the People, for the People
Emery County Sheriff's Office Busy with Rescue, Archaeology, and Drug Bust
Search and rescue, archaeological discovery, and major drug seizure keep officers busy in Emery County, Utah
Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:34am
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The Emery County Sheriff's Office had a nonstop stretch of activity from March 4 to March 8, including a successful search and rescue operation, assisting with an archaeological discovery of Native American remains, and seizing over 100 pounds of marijuana in a joint drug interdiction effort.
Why it matters
The Emery County Sheriff's Office plays a critical role in public safety, protecting natural resources, and combating drug trafficking in this rural Utah county. This busy period highlights the diverse responsibilities and challenges faced by the department in serving its community.
The details
On March 4, the Emery County Search and Rescue team rescued a trapped climber and their injured companion in the Slipper Arch area. During a construction project on private property on March 6, workers uncovered Native American remains dating back 700-2,000 years, leading the Sheriff's Office to coordinate with state archaeologists for proper reburial. Then on March 8, deputies seized 103 pounds of marijuana in a joint operation with the Grand County Sheriff's Office and BLM, continuing their fight against drug trafficking along the I-70 corridor.
- The search and rescue operation took place on March 4.
- The archaeological discovery was made on March 6.
- The 103-pound marijuana seizure occurred on March 8.
The players
Emery County Search and Rescue
The county's search and rescue team that responded to the trapped climber incident.
Utah State Archaeology Department
The state agency that assisted in the assessment and reburial of the Native American remains discovered on private property.
Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington
The sheriff who provided statements about the various incidents and encouraged public vigilance.
Emery County Deputy Josh Opp
The deputy who participated in the joint drug interdiction operation that seized 103 pounds of marijuana.
BLM Ranger Nic Cooley
The BLM ranger who assisted in the joint drug interdiction operation.
What they’re saying
“Two PhD archaeologists confirmed the remains are Native American (Fremont Culture), dating back between 700 and 2,000 years.”
— Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington
“Stay vigilant. If anything feels 'off' or suspicious, please contact the Sheriff's Office immediately.”
— Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington
What’s next
The archaeologists are working with Native American Tribes to ensure proper reburial of the ancient remains discovered on private property.
The takeaway
The Emery County Sheriff's Office demonstrated its versatility in responding to a diverse range of public safety issues, from search and rescue to archaeological preservation to drug interdiction. This busy stretch highlights the department's critical role in safeguarding the community and natural resources of this rural Utah county.
