Arrest warrants were issued for 19 people Wednesday as local police, the FBI and the U.S. Customs Service busted a major cocaine operation that centered around a Salt Lake restaurant.
The Coachman's Dinner and Pancake House, 1301 S. State, was used as a distribution point for cocaine, according to the the Salt Lake District Attorney's Office.
As of noon Wednesday, 15 of the 19 people charged had been rounded up by investigators. In addition, more than $750,000 in assets had been seized. The arrest warrants accounted for a total of 52 felonies, ranging from conspiracy to engaging in a controlled-substance criminal enterprise to racketeering and money-laundering.
Three search warrants and nine seizure warrants were executed simultaneously at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday in connection with drug-smuggling and distribution in Salt Lake County.
The main focus of the investigation was Michael John Nikols, 37, the owner of the Coachman restaurant. He was arrested Wednesday and charged with being the leader of a drug distribution and money-laundering enterprise, according to court documents. Prosecutors believe the drug ring had operated since 1986.
Investigators began looking at Nikols in March 2001, according to Salt Lake Deputy District Attorney Kent Morgan. Cocaine was allegedly being shipped to Nikols from Texas and California, according to court documents.
Cocaine, shotguns and handguns were seized during the execution of the warrants.
Morgan said the restaurant would be allowed to remain open as Nikols' father still has an interest in the business and is not a suspect in the investigation.
Further details of the bust were expected to be released at a Wednesday afternoon press conference called by the district attorney.
E-MAIL: preavy@desnews.com