A federal grand jury in Utah has returned indictments in two unrelated criminal investigations — one involving a large-scale drug trafficking operation and the other centered on illegal firearm possession by a previously convicted felon. Federal prosecutors say the cases underscore ongoing efforts to dismantle narcotics networks and curb unlawful access to weapons.
Drug Trafficking Suspect Caught With Meth and Cocaine
Moises Lozano-Valdez was indicted on federal charges of methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute and cocaine possession with intent to distribute after being stopped on Oct. 26 along I-80 near Echo Reservoir.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, Lozano-Valdez was pulled over for illegal window tint. A trooper reported detecting the smell of marijuana and spotting suspected marijuana products in the vehicle’s center console. After a search:
- Troopers discovered a THC vape pen and raw marijuana.
- A large speaker box in the trunk appeared tampered with and contained multiple concealed drug packages.
- Authorities seized an estimated 66 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 pounds of cocaine.
Court documents say Lozano-Valdez later admitted he had been transporting the drugs from Los Angeles to Chicago and had made a similar trip for the same group only days earlier. A phone search uncovered photos of large quantities of cash, which prosecutors say is consistent with trafficking activity.
Officials estimate the seized meth and cocaine represent more than 200,000 individual user doses.
Felon Indicted for Possessing Multiple Rifles
In a separate case, Brennan Christopher Bennett, 41, was indicted for felon in possession of firearms following an FBI investigation. Bennett had previously been convicted in 2021 of two felony counts of attempted enticement of a minor, which legally bars him from owning guns.
Agents from the FBI and the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force executed a search warrant at Bennett’s Salt Lake City apartment on Oct. 28. Investigators found:
- Four rifles, including three classified as assault-style rifles,
- Weapons located both inside Bennett’s residence and vehicle.
Bennett told investigators he had obtained the firearms “opportunistically” for personal protection, according to federal court filings. Prosecutors say the weapons were immediately seized.
Federal Authorities Continue Expanding Investigations
Both cases remain under federal jurisdiction. Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and partner agencies continue to review evidence and pursue broader connections to criminal networks. Updates and case documents will proceed through the U.S. Department of Justice as prosecution moves forward.
