Utah Drug Kingpin Flavio Mazariegos Covarrubias Busted for Fentanyl Ring

Utah’s Flavio Mazariegos Covarrubias, a 25-year-old from Taylorsville, is facing federal charges after an undercover operation landed him in the clink.

Covarrubias was arrested for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, a move that authorities say is connected to a drug trafficking organization believed to be pushing massive amounts of drugs through Utah. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah filed the complaint on January 31, 2022.

The FBI’s Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) had been investigating Covarrubias and his alleged network since they suspected a significant drug trade was at play in the state. The investigation led to an undercover agent who successfully purchased fentanyl from the defendant, resulting in the arrest.

Agents seized approximately 5,000 blue-colored pills and 40 brightly-colored ones during the operation. These pills, which tested positive for fentanyl, are known as ‘rainbow fentanyl’ or ‘skittles,’ designed to appear like candy and lure young people into addiction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Nelson, and it remains under investigation by the FBI. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and Covarrubias is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This latest drug bust underscores the ongoing battle against dangerous substances infiltrating communities across Utah. The grimy reality of the illegal drug trade continues to be targeted by local law enforcement in partnership with federal agencies.