By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
Three men were recently arrested in Cedar City following an early morning raid by the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force.
The raid, which took place on Wednesday at a residence on Meadowbrook Drive, resulted in the seizure of drugs, cash, and weapons, and led to multiple felony charges.
Christian Luna-Soto, 26, Ramon Garza Avilez, 28, and Edrei Contreras Duran, 23, were all booked into Iron County Jail on various drug-related charges.
According to court records filed in 5th District Court, the task force had been investigating the residence for several months, conducting controlled buys that confirmed drug activity.
“Agents have been investigating this residence for multiple months and have conducted controlled buys out of the residence,”Luna-Soto’s affidavit states.
On the morning of the raid, agents executed a search warrant and allegedly discovered a large quantity of THC vape cartridges, money, and drug paraphernalia in Luna-Soto’s room.
After being read his Miranda rights, Luna-Soto reportedly admitted to owning the THC products and distributing them to friends and roommates. He faces charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a third-degree felony, and three misdemeanor charges related to possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Avilez’s arrest followed a controlled purchase of methamphetamine allegedly made earlier at the residence. During the subsequent search, agents found methamphetamine, a large amount of case, and a machete in his room.
Avilez reportedly admitted to traveling to Las Vegas to purchase methamphetamine, which he claimed he shared with friends rather than selling it.
“He also admitted to going to Las Vegas to pick up meth and bring it back to Cedar City,” the affidavit states. “He stated he would never sale (sp) meth, but would give it to his friends.”
Avilez faces two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, 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.
Additionally, Avilez is in the country illegally and is subject to a deportation hold by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Court documents also show that investigators suspect he has ties to the Surenos street gang.
The Sureños, or “Southerners,” are a coalition of Latino street gangs that originated in Southern California and are affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, a powerful prison gang.
Known for their involvement in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and violent crimes, the Sureños identify with the color blue and the number 13, which represents their allegiance to the Mexican Mafia.
They are widespread across the United States and are rivals to the Norteños (“Northerners”), a coalition of gangs based in Northern California.
Duran, the third suspect, faces four misdemeanor charges after agents found a THC vape, a small baggie of cocaine in his room, and methamphetamine on the kitchen counter, which he allegedly admitted was his.
As of Wednesday evening, all three men remain in custody without bail.