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KEARNS — An investigation into an alleged fentanyl distribution operation recently resulted in tens of thousands of pills being seized and federal charges against a man.
Brayan Ariel Arteaga-Ramos, 32, was indicted on July 3 on charges of fentanyl possession went intent to distribute and illegal reentry into the U.S. after previously being deported.
On June 20, agents with the Utah State Bureau of Investigations arranged to purchase approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills from a man. An arrangement was made to sell the drugs at a residence in Kearns. When an SUV pulled up to the residence with two men, including Arteaga-Ramos, who was driving, he was taken into custody, the charging documents state.
"A red toolbox was located on the back seat of the vehicle. Inside, detectives located approximately 25,000 suspected fentanyl pills. The suspected fentanyl seized from the Nissan Pathfinder weighed approximately 6.3 pounds," according to the federal charges.
Arteaga-Ramos was previously deported from the United States in 2013, the indictment states.
