A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has indicted Jesus Aaron Camacho Duarte, a 25-year-old Mexican national residing illegally in Salt Lake City, on drug trafficking charges after authorities seized approximately 74,000 fentanyl pills during two separate operations.
Camacho Duarte was initially charged by complaint on February 5, 2026. According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Camacho Duarte in December 2025 after receiving information from an undercover officer about his alleged involvement in illegal drug trafficking. Agents arranged an undercover purchase of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl from him.
On February 4, 2026, DEA agents conducted surveillance at Camacho Duarte’s residence and observed a vehicle identified as being used for narcotics distribution. After stopping the vehicle and deploying a narcotics K9, agents found approximately 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills weighing over one kilogram that tested positive for fentanyl. Camacho Duarte was arrested at the scene.
Following his arrest, agents executed a search warrant at his residence and seized another 64,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills weighing more than six kilograms that also tested positive for fentanyl.
Camacho Duarte faces two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance is scheduled for February 20, 2026 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak announced the indictment. The DEA is leading the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelsy B. Young is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations involved in 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.”
