A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has indicted Manuel Santos-Ramirez, a 32-year-old undocumented Mexican national, on drug charges related to methamphetamine distribution. According to court documents, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization in July 2025. In August, agents conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine that led them to Santos-Ramirez, who was observed arriving in a silver Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Agents obtained and executed search warrants for both the residence and the vehicle associated with Santos-Ramirez. Law enforcement seized a total of 5,843 grams of methamphetamine, with roughly half found in the truck and half inside the residence. The narcotics recovered during the operation field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Santos-Ramirez was arrested at the scene and remains in federal custody.
Santos-Ramirez faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His initial court appearance took place on September 11, 2025. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 14, 2025, before Senior U.S District Court Judge Clark Waddoups at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah announced the indictment.
The investigation is being handled by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting this case.
According to officials, this case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving multiple programs within the department.
Authorities remind that "An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
