Law officers have arrested 13 people, capping an undercover investigation into the sale of methamphetamine - which is becoming southern Utah's most popular drug.

Iron County Attorney Scott Burns said the 13 people arrested Friday were named in warrants that culminated a monthslong investigation by an area antidrug task force.In addition, three other people caught in the raids were arrested for possession of illegal drugs. Six warrants remained outstanding, with police unable to immediately locate those named.

The suspected dealers were mostly involved in selling methamphetamine, known as "speed."

"It just seems to be an ongoing thing," Burns said. "This roundup will quiet things for a week to 10 days then other faces will be back at it."

"I'd say 90 percent of our drug cases now are methamphetamine," he said. "It is just the drug of choice."

Local, state and federal officers participated in the raids, which went off without incident, Burns said.

Southern Utah law officers have made 346 drug-related arrests in the past three months, an increase of 110 percent from the same time last year, officers said.

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According to the St. George Police Department year-end report, officers made 444 drug-related arrests in 1993, a 32 percent increase from 1992 and a 117 percent increase from 1989.

"We're seeing a real upswing here," said deputy Lorin Orvin, drug officer for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. "I'd say our drug cases (this year) are up 50 percent over the last year."

Cedar City Police Chief Pete Hansen said the increase in drug offenses is due to the increased availability of drugs and because law officers are better trained to spot illegal substances and make arrests.

Southern Utah's rapid growth in population also could be contributing to the problem, officers said.

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