Gustavo Flores-Hernandez, Attempted Fentanyl Trafficking, Utah 2024

A deadly menace lurks in the shadows of Utah’s streets, and Grimy Times is shining a light on the perpetrators. Gustavo Flores-Hernandez, a 31-year-old foreign national living in Salt Lake City, has been accused of attempting to sell over 124,000 blue pills containing fentanyl, according to a federal indictment.

The indictment alleges that Flores-Hernandez was under investigation for allegedly distributing a controlled substance throughout Salt Lake County. On March 21, 2024, detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment in Salt Lake City. During the search, detectives found approximately 12,404 grams (124,044 pills) of blue pills that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.

Upon completion of the search, a man later identified as Flores-Hernandez, entered the apartment and was arrested. Flores-Hernandez possessed approximately $9,000 cash and 50 grams (500 pills) of blue pills that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.

The indictment charges Flores-Hernandez with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and reentry of a previously removed alien. His initial court appearance on the indictment is April 1, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins made the announcement, noting that the case is being investigated jointly by a task force officer with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, the American Fork Police Department, and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

Special Assistant United States Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

As the Grimy Times continues to expose the dark underbelly of crime in our communities, we are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Santo Tavarez Mateo, Cocaine Importation, Florida 2024

Apr 15, 2025

Drug Trafficking

Carlos Sanchez, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Iowa, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Drug Trafficking

Ronell Rogers, Fentanyl Distribution, Connecticut 2025

May 12, 2026

Drug Trafficking

Almarez Henderson, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Indiana 2022

Jan 19, 2023