Three Mexican nationals living in Salt Lake City have been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple drug charges after law enforcement officers seized significant amounts of fentanyl and heroin from their homes and vehicles. The individuals, identified as Silvano Gonzalez Venavidez (also known as Eduardo Torres-Zepeda), 34; Edgar Ulises Torres Cervantes (also known as Juan Maldonado Garcia), 38; and Carlos Roberto Limon Martinez, 21, were charged following an investigation that began in November 2025.
According to court documents, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force launched a criminal investigation into the defendants and others suspected of distributing large quantities of narcotics in Utah. On January 13, 2026, agents executed search warrants at residences and vehicles linked to the suspects. During these searches, they discovered approximately 135 grams of heroin and over 500 grams of fentanyl—equivalent to about 5,000 pills—in a concealed compartment in Martinez’s vehicle. Additional seizures included roughly 1,472 grams of fentanyl (about 14,000 pills) and more than 400 grams of heroin.
A subsequent search at Venavidez’s residence led to the discovery of nearly 15 kilograms of fentanyl (around 150,000 pills) and over 400 grams of heroin. Agents also found Cervantes in his vehicle with approximately 200 grams of heroin and almost 900 grams of fentanyl (about 8,000 pills) hidden inside.
The three men face charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, as well as possession with intent to distribute both substances. Their trial is scheduled for April 6, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah announced the indictments. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice 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,” according to officials.
An indictment is an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
