PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — A Provo man is facing federal charges and has been ordered to detention after allegedly attempting to obtain a drug commonly used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large animals.
The drug, known as carfentanil, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA has reportedly identified carfentanil as “crazy dangerous,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice, adding that the drug is a growing concern as it becomes more prevalent.
The suspect, identified by federal prosecutors as Clint James Pendleton, 29, of Provo, is accused of attempting to obtain about 20 grams of carfentanil in a package on Jan. 22, 2025. United States Attorney Tina Higgins for the District of Utah said the package was on its way to Payson when it was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Los Angeles International Airport.
“The package was opened and the suspected carfentanil was tested and presumptively identified as carfentanil and weighed approximately 20 grams,” Higgins said in a press release. “Subsequently, the package was tracked to Pendelton, who had signed up to receive tracking updates on the package.”
Federal prosecutors allege Pendelton has a history of criminal activity written in a notebook. These writings reportedly included amounts of drugs purchased, prices, and tracking numbers, including information for carfentanil.
Pendleton was charged in a Utah District federal court with attempted possession of carfentanil with the intent to distribute. His initial appearance was held on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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