A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has indicted a Mexican national on multiple drug charges following the seizure of illicit substances, including fentanyl, in Utah. Juana Gabriela Sancion Castaneda, 41, from Salt Lake County, was initially charged by complaint on February 19, 2025.
Court documents reveal that the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) launched an investigation into Castaneda and others involved in a suspected drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of narcotics within Utah. On February 18, agents executed a search warrant at Castaneda's residence and seized approximately 867 grams of fentanyl and 794 grams of heroin. The fentanyl amounted to about 8,000 pills. Following the search, Castaneda was detained.
Castaneda faces charges for possession with intent to distribute both fentanyl and heroin. Her initial court appearance is set for March 10, 2025, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti announced the indictment. The investigation is being conducted by the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force alongside the Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force (DMNSF), while prosecution will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
