In just the first six months of 2024, Utah law enforcement seized over 774,000 fentanyl pills, surpassing the 664,200 pills seized in the entirety of 2023. This increase marks a 16.5% rise and sets a new annual record. The primary trafficking routes, facilitated by major highways like Interstates 15 and 80, have made Utah a significant corridor for drug trafficking, with cartels such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels playing key roles in smuggling fentanyl into the state.
This surge in fentanyl seizures highlights the increasing need to understand the dangers of fentanyl and penalties for fentanyl-related drug crimes.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically to treat severe pain, especially post-surgery or in cancer patients. However, its high potency also makes it a prime target for misuse and illegal distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs, has become a major factor in the overdose crisis. According to the DEA, even a few milligrams can be lethal, making it a particularly dangerous substance in the illegal drug market.
Fentanyl’s potency poses severe risks. The lack of uniformity in illicit pill manufacturing often results in varying concentrations of the drug, making each pill potentially lethal. The high profit margins—pills costing just a few cents to produce can sell for up to $60 in areas further north—fuel traffickers’ incentives to sell.
How is Fentanyl being sold?
People use sophisticated methods to sell fentanyl in Utah, often leveraging the anonymity and reach of social media platforms. Dealers utilize popular apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook to advertise their products and arrange transactions. This digital marketplace offers a level of anonymity and convenience that makes it challenging for law enforcement to track and intercept these transactions.
This easy access, combined with the deceptive packaging of fentanyl as legitimate prescription pills, contributes to its widespread and dangerous presence in the community.
Legal Implications
Under Utah law, the penalties for fentanyl possession and trafficking vary. Currently, fentanyl is listed as a Schedule II drug, meaning fentanyl has accepted medical uses but a high risk for abuse. Simple possession can be classified as a class A misdemeanor, while possession with intent to distribute, especially in large quantities, can escalate to a second-degree felony.
It’s important to note that additional penalties may apply when factors like dangerous weapons or minors are involved. For detailed legal definitions and specific penalties, refer to Utah Code Section 58-37-8.
| Condition | Conviction | Potential Penalties |
| Possession or use without authorization
(1st / 2nd conviction) |
Class A Misdemeanor | · Imprisonment up to 364 days
· Fine up to $2,500 |
| Possession or use without authorization
(3+ convictions within 7 years) |
Third Degree Felony | · Imprisonment 5 years or less
· Fine up to $5,000 |
| Manufacture or distribution without authorization
(1st conviction) |
Second Degree Felony | · Imprisonment 1 – 15 years
· Fine up to $10,000 |
| Manufacture or distribution without authorization
(2+ convictions) |
First Degree Felony | · Imprisonment 5 years – LIFE
· Fine up to $10,000 |
Hire a Fentanyl Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah
If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges related to drug offenses, consider contacting Susanne Gustin Law for expert legal defense. With a deep understanding of drug-related laws and a commitment to protecting clients’ rights, Susanne Gustin Law is ready to protect you.
Contact Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law at 801-243-2814 for a free consultation.
