Four foreign nationals are expected in a Salt Lake City courtroom today to face charges for allegedly running a significant drug operation within Utah. The individuals, Jose Manuel Perez-Flores, Victor Flores Esquivel, Jaime Hernandez-Ruin, and Eduardo Hernandez-Ruiz, were implicated in distributing fentanyl and heroin throughout the area.

Last week's indictment followed an arrest made on December 23, 2024, while an initial complaint charged the individuals with these offenses. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, since around September 2024, the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force has been tracking the group's activities.

In the course of their investigation, detectives managed to perform several controlled purchases of heroin, which eventually led to the execution of search warrants at three West Valley City residences. One home yielded particular interest, as officers found large quantities of fentanyl and heroin, along with cash and items indicative of drug packaging and distribution efforts.

The seized drugs included approximately 28,921 fentanyl pills and 308 grams of heroin, a stash indicative of a vast and potentially lethal operation. The indictment also notes that assets like cell phones and numerous electronic money wire transfer receipts were collected from the properties, potentially underscoring a sophisticated network of illegal activities. United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced the details of the case, which is now under the scrutiny of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force.

The defendants are facing serious charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The individuals will make their initial appearance on the indictment at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse. The case is a part of the overarching Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which focuses on collaborative efforts to curb violent crimes and promote safety.