Salt Lake City Man Indicted in Major Meth, Heroin, and Fentanyl Bust

In Salt Lake City, a 27-year-old man, Luis Refugio Brindas Guzman, has been federally indicted following the recovery of large quantities of meth, heroin, and fentanyl in an FBI sting operation.

Brindas faces multiple charges, including possession of meth, heroin, and fentanyl with intent to distribute, illegal possession of a firearm, and reentry after prior deportation. According to court documents, Brindas was deported from the U.S. in January.

The indictment is part of an extensive investigation into an alleged drug trafficking organization believed to be operating in Utah. Records indicate that Brindas engaged in drug sales with an undercover officer from his Nissan Rogue in July, and in October, authorities received information about a large meth transaction in Salt Lake County.

An undercover agent coordinated a purchase, working with a confidential informant and setting up surveillance at the exchange location.

Brindas arrived in a Nissan Rogue to deliver the narcotics, at which point the informant signaled for an arrest.

A search of Brindas’ vehicle revealed nearly 15 pounds of meth, along with smaller amounts of heroin and marijuana. Subsequent searches of his residence uncovered additional meth, heroin, approximately 35,000 fentanyl pills, and a firearm.

Following his arrest on Oct. 2, Brindas was ordered by Judge Daphne Oberg to remain in custody, citing his high flight risk due to lack of stable ties to the U.S.

His case coincides with recent indictments of two other Salt Lake County men in separate drug cases involving over 100,000 fentanyl pills, though it is unclear if these cases are connected.