Massive $2.8 Million Cash Haul in Oregon Part of Nationwide Fentanyl Bust Against Sinaloa Cartel
Oregon featured prominently in the largest fentanyl bust in the history of the DEA, in which more than 400 kg of fentanyl was seized, with authorities uncovering $2.8 million in U.S. currency, two motor vehicles worth $150,000, and jewelry worth $50,000 in Salem.
The record-breaking operation delivered a telling blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most dangerous and biggest drug trafficking organizations in the country, according to a news release from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.
DEA Drug Bust Involved Five States
The operation involved five states and resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of more than 400 kg of fentanyl, large quantities of cash, firearms, and vehicles.
United States Attorney Ryan Ellison said the DEA has busted one of the most dangerous fentanyl trafficking organizations in the country.
He sent drug traffickers a clear message: ‘Those who profit from poisoning our citizens will be held accountable.’ At the same time, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the Department of Justice will continue to work with law enforcement to dismantle every cartel network operating illegally in the U.S.
Apart from the Salem haul, DEA officers took possession of 396 kg of fentanyl pills and 11.5 kg of powder in the Albuquerque bust. The raid also uncovered $610,000 in U.S. currency, 49 firearms, two vehicles worth $140,000, 3.5 kg of heroin, 7 pounds of methamphetamine, and 1.5 kg of cocaine.
The other states involved were Layton, Utah – $780,000 in U.S. currency, a vehicle valued at $150,000; Phoenix, Arizona – $390,000 in U.S. currency, 72 pounds of methamphetamine; 13 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and 2.4 pounds of heroin; Las Vegas, Nevada – Illegal alien apprehended and removed, $93,000 in U.S. currency; 2.7 kilograms of cocaine, and 1 pound of methamphetamine.
Drug Trafficking Ring Leader Arrested
Heriberto Salazar Amaya (36), the leader of the drug trafficking organization, was arrested by DEA officers together with Cesar Acuna-Moreno (27), Bruce Sedillo (26), Vincent Montoya (35), Francisco Garcia (27), David Anesi (42), George Navarette-Ramirez (25), Alex Anthony Martinez, Jose Luis Marquez, Nicholas Tanner, Brian Sanchez, Kaitlyn Young, Alan Singer, and David Altamirano Lopez.
They are all charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Cesar Acuna-Moreno, Brian Sanchez, Kaitlyn Young, Alan Singer, Bruce Sedillo, Francisco Garcia, and Nicholas Tanner face additional charges of distributing fentanyl.
Jose Luis Marquez and Bruce Sedillo are each charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and Bruce Sedillo is also charged with possession of a firearm used in a drug trafficking crime; Heriberto Salazar Amaya faces three additional immigration-related charges – illegal reentry after deportation, hiring an unauthorized alien, and conspiracy to harbor unauthorized aliens.
Other suspects facing charges are:
Phillip Lovato (39) – agents seized 110,000 fentanyl pills from Lovato’s stash house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 29 April. He is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and conspiracy to commit drug trafficking.
Roberta Herrera (31) – agents seized 365,000 fentanyl pills, 1,543.5 grams of heroin, 569.9 grams of cocaine, and 24 firearms from Herrera’s apartment on 28 April.
Herrera is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, and using and carrying a firearm during and in a drug trafficking crime.
Misael Lopez Rubio (25) is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. DEA agents seized 165.5 kilograms of fentanyl pills from a storage unit rented by Rubio.