Martin Erubiel Algandar Castro, Fentanyl Possession, Utah 2026

A massive fentanyl operation was foiled in Salt Lake City, Utah, after 171 grams of the deadly substance were found in a vehicle driven by an illegal alien from Mexico.

Martin Erubiel Algandar Castro, 25, was charged on June 30, 2026, after a traffic stop on June 25, 2026, led to the discovery of the fentanyl powder.

According to court documents, a K-9 officer alerted positive for the presence of drugs during the stop, and the vehicle was searched. Approximately 171 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, which field-tested positive for fentanyl, were located and seized.

Additionally, law enforcement found $1,513 on Castro and several wire transfer receipts sending money to Mexico.

A brief search of Castro's phone revealed evidence of distribution, and it was discovered that he is not a citizen of the United States and has no known ties to Utah or the U.S.

Castro is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and his initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for July 9, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate 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 by Homeland Security Investigations and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman 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 government 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.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/illegal-alien-mexico-charged-district-utah-after-allegedly-possessing-large-quantity