A Mexican national, Juan Alexis Castanon-Chavez, was sentenced on Apr. 2 to five years in prison after being convicted of possessing and intending to distribute about 17 pounds of methamphetamine and illegally reentering the United States following his removal in 2020.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking and unauthorized reentry into the country. The case highlights the coordination between federal agencies in combating narcotics distribution and enforcing immigration laws.
According to court documents, Castanon-Chavez, age 28, was residing illegally in Bountiful, Utah. On March 2, 2025, agents arranged a controlled purchase with him. He brought approximately eight kilograms of methamphetamine to sell to an undercover agent posing as a buyer. Authorities seized nearly eight kilograms of methamphetamine from his vehicle during the operation. Castanon-Chavez admitted he intended to sell the drugs if they had not been confiscated by law enforcement. He also acknowledged that he unlawfully reentered the United States after being removed on March 3, 2020.
In addition to his prison term, Castanon-Chavez received one year of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be transferred into custody for deportation proceedings by federal immigration authorities.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Davis County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Vernon G. Stejskal prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
