3 people arrested after early morning raid by drug agents in Cedar City – St George News

A screenshot from a neighbor's doorbell camera shows agents from the Iron-Beaver-Garfield Narcotics Task Force executing an early morning arrest warrant in Cedar City, Utah, on August 21, 2024 | Image courtesy of Liz Valo, St. George News / Cedar City News

Local drug enforcement agents arrested three suspects in an early morning raid in Cedar City on Wednesday.

Christian Luna-Soto, 26, Ramon Garza Avilez, 28, and Edrei Contreras Duran, 23, were all booked into the Iron County Jail on suspicion of various drug offenses.

According to probable cause affidavits filed in 5th District Court in support of the arrests, agents with the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force obtained a search warrant for a residence on Meadowbrook Drive.

“Agents have been investigating this home for several months and conducting controlled home purchases,” the affidavit against Luna-Soto states. “A white Dodge pickup truck leaving the home was stopped.”

During the subsequent search of the apartment, agents allegedly found THC vaping cartridges and a large amount of US dollars in Luna-Soto's room, as well as a THC smoking device, a marijuana bong and other drug paraphernalia in the apartment.

“During a post-Miranda interview, Luna-Soto claimed that all of the THC products in the apartment belonged to him,” the affidavit states. “Luna-Soto also admitted to agents that he distributes THC cartridges to friends and roommates.”

Luna-Soto is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to resell (a third-degree felony) and three misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Avilez's arrest, meanwhile, stems from an alleged controlled purchase of methamphetamine that was previously made in the same apartment.

After obtaining a search warrant, agents allegedly found two plastic bags of methamphetamine in Avilez's room, as well as a “large amount” of cash and a machete.

According to the affidavit, Avilez admitted to driving to Las Vegas to pick up methamphetamine and bring it to Cedar City.

“He stated he would never (sell) meth, but would give it to his friends,” the document states.

According to the affidavit, Avilez is also in the United States illegally and is subject to deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The charging documents also noted that investigators believe Avilez may be associated with the Surenos street gang.

Avilez is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to resell (a second-degree felony), one count of possession of drug paraphernalia (a Class B misdemeanor), and one count of unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon (a Class A misdemeanor).

Meanwhile, Duran, the third man arrested, is charged with four misdemeanors related to drug possession and drug paraphernalia. According to the indictment, officers found a THC vaporizer in Duran's room and a small package of cocaine, as well as meth on the kitchen counter, which Duran allegedly admitted was his.

Since Wednesday evening, all three men have been held without bail and await their first court date.

This report is based on testimony from court documents and law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or until a trial judge determines otherwise.

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