A Mexican national appeared in a Salt Lake City court after facing charges related to drug trafficking and immigration violations. Juan Alexis Castanon-Chavez, 27, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged by complaint on March 3, 2025. A federal grand jury issued an indictment on March 12, 2025.
Court documents reveal that the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force investigated Castanon-Chavez and others suspected of distributing narcotics in the United States. On March 2, agents arranged a controlled delivery involving Castanon-Chavez. He was observed driving to and from the delivery site in a Volkswagen Golf. Following a traffic stop for a violation, a K9 officer detected narcotics in the vehicle. Authorities seized approximately 7,930 grams of methamphetamine.
Castanon-Chavez faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal re-entry into the U.S. His initial court appearance occurred on March 13 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City. A jury trial is set for May 16.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti announced the case details. The investigation involves the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF), including the FBI and Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force (DMNSF). Assistant United States Attorney Vernon G. Stejskal will prosecute.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations through resources from various Department of Justice initiatives.
It is important to note that an indictment is only an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.