A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment on July 15 charging Martiano Ralph Estrada, 51, of Orem, Utah, and Alejandro Alberto Alvarado-Gutierrez, 34, of Mexico, with drug crimes following the seizure of methamphetamine and heroin during a traffic stop and at a residence in Lehi.
According to court documents, law enforcement stopped Estrada for a traffic violation on June 29. Estrada was driving with Alvarado-Gutierrez as the front passenger. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine and 33 grams of heroin hidden under the steering wheel. Law enforcement later searched a Lehi residence where they found an additional 223 grams of heroin and 1,108 grams of methamphetamine. Packaging for two cell phones found at the residence matched phones discovered on Alvarado-Gutierrez during the stop. Messages related to drug distribution were found on these phones. In total, authorities seized 1,139 grams of methamphetamine and 256 grams of heroin.
Court documents state that Alvarado-Gutierrez is not a U.S. citizen and had previously been removed from the United States in November 2025.
Estrada and Alvarado-Gutierrez are charged with possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and heroin. Alvarado-Gutierrez also faces charges for reentry after removal from the country. Their initial appearance took place July 13 before a federal judge; Estrada’s detention hearing is scheduled for July 17, while Alvarado-Gutierrez’s three-day jury trial is set for September at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak announced these charges. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with prosecution led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman for the District of Utah.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources to address illegal immigration and criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah advances community well-being through victim assistance programs and public safety initiatives; maintains offices in Salt Lake City and St. George; operates under the Department of Justice; employs about 85 staff including roughly 45 assistant attorneys; enforces federal laws across all counties including areas with national parks and Indian reservations, according to its official website.