A Mexican national, Juan Alexis Castanon-Chavez, 27, appeared in a Salt Lake City court facing charges related to drug trafficking and immigration violations. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Castanon-Chavez was charged on March 3, 2025, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12.
Court documents reveal that the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into Castanon-Chavez and other alleged members of a drug trafficking organization suspected of distributing significant amounts of narcotics within the United States. On March 2, authorities organized a controlled delivery involving Castanon-Chavez. During this operation, he was seen arriving and departing from the delivery site in a Volkswagen Golf. A traffic stop led to his arrest when a K9 unit detected narcotics in the vehicle. Inside, officers discovered approximately 7,930 grams of methamphetamine.
The charges against Castanon-Chavez include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal re-entry into the U.S. following deportation. His initial court appearance took place on March 13 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City. A two-day jury trial is set for May 16.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti announced the developments in this case. The investigation is conducted by the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force with assistance from the FBI and Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Vernon G. Stejskal will handle prosecution duties for this case as part of Operation Take Back America—an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts of various Justice Department resources.
It is important to note that an indictment serves as an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
