Accused drug dealer charged after authorities allegedly seize $33K, 43 lbs of fentanyl and more
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A man who lives in Murray has been charged with drug crimes after agents reportedly seized more than 43 pounds of fentanyl pills, other narcotics and a large amount of cash, according to the Department of Justice.
Elder Alberto Ahumada-Castro, 29, is charged with four different counts — including possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to the DOJ, Ahumada-Castro is a foreign national living in Murray, Utah. The District Attorney’s Office said federal agents suspected him of distributing drugs throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
On April 10, officers saw Ahumada-Castro staying at a motel in Murray and obtained a search warrant for both his car and his motel room.
When they executed the warrant, officials reportedly found 2,800 blue “M-30” fentanyl pills, about $33,000 and “a larger amount” of fentanyl pills that weighed 43 pounds and four ounces. The pills that were found field tested positive for fentanyl and Ahumada-Castro was arrested.
Prior court documents claimed Ahumada-Castro possessed other substances — including cocaine, meth and heroin — with the intent to distribute them in Utah.
Both the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
After he was arrested, Ahumada-Castro was taken to the DEA office in Salt Lake City, where documents revealed that he admitted to knowing he had drugs in the hotel room.
Ahumada-Castro is scheduled to appear in court on April 22, and the case will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Holtan.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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