Press Release
Over 200,000 Fentanyl Pills Taken Off Utah Streets During Two Separate Unrelated Seizures
Thursday, August 20, 2026
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Two Mexican Nationals, one of whom is an illegal alien, were indicted by a federal grand jury after they were arrested and charged in two separate and unrelated cases that led to the seizure of approximately 204,000 fentanyl pills in one week.Jesus Alexis Cecena Cota, 22, of Mexico, residing illegally in West Jordan, Utah; and Ricardo Verduzco Bernal, 54, of West Valley City, Utah, were charged in two separate complaints August 13, 2026.In the case involving Cota, according to allegations contained in court documents, in July 2026, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force initiated a criminal investigation on Cota and co-conspirators, both known and unknown, associated with a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics in the District of Utah. On August 11, 2026, agents executed a search warrant on a residence, vehicle, and storage unit in West Valley City allegedly used by Cota for the distribution of narcotics. During the search of the vehicle, agents recovered and seized approximately 1.44 grams of field-tested positive methamphetamine on Cota. At the storge unit, agents recovered and seized approximately 9,351.45 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl. Agents estimated the evidence to be approximately 93,000 fentanyl pills. At Cota’s residence, agents located and seized 21.7 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl, U.S. currency, and a suspected drug ledger.In the case involving Bernal, according to allegations contained in court documents, in August 2026, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force initiated a criminal investigation on Bernal and co-conspirators, both known and unknown, associated with a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics in the District of Utah. In August 2026, agents conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Bernal. As a result of the controlled purchase, agents obtained and executed a search warrant on a hotel room in Salt Lake County, Utah. On August 12, 2026, agents executed the search warrant, and Bernal was alone inside the room where agents located and seized approximately 11,160.65 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl. Agents estimated the fentanyl evidence to be approximately 111,000 fentanyl pills.According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bernal is in the United States on a visitor visa.Cota and Bernal are both charged, in separate and unrelated indictments, with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Cota is scheduled for a jury trial on August 27, 2026, and Bernal is scheduled for a jury trial on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. Magistrate Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.Both cases are investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF). Valuable assistance is provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Contact
Felicia Martinez
Public Affairs Specialist
Felicia.martinez@usdoj.gov
Updated August 20, 2026
Topics
Elder Justice
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Drug Trafficking
Components
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
USAO - Utah
Press Release Number: 26-87
