Illegal Alien from Mexico Indicted after Utah Agents Seize Narcotics, Including Methamphetamine from Alleged Drug Trafficker

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging an illegal alien from Mexico with a drug crime after he sold cocaine during an undercover operation, and after agents seized methamphetamine from the defendant's residence.

Cristian Cardenas Aguilar, 19, residing illegally in West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint on July 31, 2026.

According to court documents, on July 20, 2026, agents with the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force and the FBI conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Cardenas Aguilar. After the controlled purchase, Cardenas Aguilar left the controlled purchase location in a vehicle and was observed by agents entering a residence in West Valley City. The narcotics evidence purchased during the controlled buy was transported to the Davis County Crime Lab where it tested positive for cocaine and weighed 121.14 grams. On July 29, 2026, agents executed two search warrants on Cardenas Aguilar's vehicle and residence in West Valley City. During the search of the residence, agents located and seized 3,623 grams of field-tested-positive methamphetamine.

Cardenas Aguilar is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for August 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).

Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.