Trina A. Higgins, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah
A Utah County man, Clint James Pendleton, has been detained following a federal indictment for allegedly attempting to receive carfentanil with the intent to distribute it in Utah. The drug, known for its potency as an elephant tranquilizer, is 10,000 times stronger than morphine and poses significant risks.
Court documents reveal that Pendleton, 29, from Provo, attempted to acquire approximately 20 grams of carfentanil on January 22, 2025. The package was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport before reaching its intended destination in Payson, Utah. Tests confirmed the substance as carfentanil.
Pendleton had reportedly signed up for tracking updates on the package. Law enforcement found evidence of his alleged criminal activities documented in a notebook detailing controlled substances purchased and their prices.
He faces charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute carfentanil. His initial court appearance took place on February 5, 2025, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the case.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman is prosecuting this case under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration and strategic law enforcement efforts.
