U.S. Attorney John W. Huber Outlines New Strategy For Distrupting, Deterring Fentanyl Distribution In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – In a conference call with federal law enforcement leaders and local drug task force commanders in Utah, U.S. Attorney John W. Huber encouraged law enforcement officers to screen all cases involving fentanyl with his office for potential federal prosecution. 

“Fentanyl is at a high threat level for us.  We are asking our law enforcement partners to help us disrupt, dismantle, and deter fentanyl distribution in Utah and prevent fentanyl-related overdose deaths,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said.  “We need to use every tool we have.”

Huber said he has a clear message for drug traffickers: bring fentanyl into Utah and plan on having an initial appearance in federal court.

According to DEA information, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse. Fentanyl is added to heroin to increase its potency. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and do not recognize they are actually getting fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths. Clandestinely produced fentanyl is primarily manufactured in Mexico.

Given the risks of fentanyl, federal prosecutors believe there is a compelling federal interest in reviewing every case.  Huber says his prosecutors will screen for evidence of distribution or simple possession.  Additionally, his office will pursue any appropriate sentencing enhancements.  Huber has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Pead as his office’s point of contact for fentanyl cases.  Pead is an experienced prosecutor who came to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the Utah County Attorney’s Office. 

Huber also is encouraging law enforcement partners and prosecutors to share intelligence and form partnerships to take full advantage of resources and assets. 

While the primary foreign source of supply for fentanyl in Utah is China, federal prosecutors and law enforcement officers say Mexican drug traffickers are increasing their capability.  “The same drug trafficking networks bringing heroin and methamphetamine into Utah could easily decide fentanyl, with its high profit margin, is what they want to do,” Huber said. “Law enforcement agencies are already seeing signs this is happening.”

While Utah has not experienced the high numbers of fentanyl overdose deaths as other places around the country, the Utah Drug Monitoring Initiative program reports fentanyl related fatal overdoses in Utah increased 54 percent from 2014 to 2018, with a spike of 49 fatalities in 2016.  Since 2016, there has been a slight decline in fentanyl related deaths, but the overdose deaths have remained higher than in 2014 and 2015. 

“We are asking law enforcement to help us find these cases out of a sincere desire to serve our communities in Utah.  These statistics are not just numbers – they represent loved ones, family members, and friends.  Law enforcement officers are committed to working with us to keep fentanyl out of Utah and protect citizens of our state,” Huber said.

Federal prosecutors in Utah are prosecuting a significant fentanyl case scheduled for a five-week trial in August.