SALT LAKE CITY — An Oregon woman was indicted by a federal grand jury in Utah on Wednesday for allegedly being in possession of illicit drugs with the intent to distribute, specifically fentanyl and heroin. U.S. Attorney Trina Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement Friday.

On Feb. 9, 2023, according to a news release, Ruth Mery Argueta, 31, was driving a Nissan Frontier pickup truck when she was stopped by a Utah Highway Patrol trooper for an equipment violation.

The news release states that as the trooper made contact with the vehicle, the trooper could smell burnt marijuana. When questioned, Argueta, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, did not have a marijuana card. 

Upon further questioning, Argueta showed the trooper more marijuana in the vehicle and a marijuana grinder. 

Illicit drugs found in the vehicle

A search of the vehicle was conducted. According to the news release, the search led to the discovery of 19 pounds of fake blue M30 pills, which supposedly contained fentanyl. A test later confirmed that it was fentanyl.

Other items discovered during the search of the vehicle included: more than 1 kilogram of heroin, a loaded firearm, roughly one ounce of raw marijuana, rolling papers, more than $4,000 and a burnt marijuana joint. 

The suspect is charged with one with possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Additionally, the suspect is also charged with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm.

 The news release states that the suspect will make her first court appearance on Monday. 

Read more:

• Proposed bill targets those who sell or distribute fentanyl
• Man in possession of fentanyl pills, heroin arrested at SLC airport

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