Utah fugitive, alleged drug trafficking ringleader, charged in major operation
Aug 22, 2023, 6:00 PM | Updated: Aug 23, 2023, 9:20 am
FILE (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has returned an 18-count indictment against 28 people. The charges encompass multiple drug-related crimes.
And the ringleader is from Utah.
Llobani Federico Figueroa, age 32, is from Magna. Figueroa, aka Pablo, was taken into custody on Aug. 3, 2023. He had been on the run since 2020 when he was indicted by a federal grand jury for the distribution of methamphetamine.
Along with the other 27 defendants, many of whom are also in police custody, Figueroa reportedly distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is a known member of LaRaza, a nationwide criminal organization.
According to the United States District Attorney’s Office, on multiple occasions, undercover agents purchased controlled narcotics from distributors “working on behalf of Figueroa’s drug trafficking organization.”
Figueroa is alleged to have served as the primary conduit among multiple California and Mexico-based suppliers in Utah.
When he was arrested, court documents showed Figueroa had more than $300,000 in cash, several Glock firearms with ammunition, 3.8 pounds of methamphetamine, 328 grams of heroin, 1.6 pounds of crack cocaine, and 409 grams of powder cocaine.
Figueroa is charged with, among other things, a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, aiding and abetting, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
His next court date has yet to be set.
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