Federal authorities have executed the largest fentanyl seizure in the history of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), confiscating over 400 kilograms of the synthetic opioid during a multi-state operation that led to 16 arrests.
The operation, coordinated by the DEA and the U.S. Department of Justice, targeted a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Heriberto Salazar Amaya, 36. Authorities conducted search warrants across five states—New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada—resulting in the seizure of approximately 396 kilograms of fentanyl pills and 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Additional contraband included methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, firearms, and over $4 million in cash.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, law enforcement recovered 49 firearms, some modified with switches and classified as “ghost guns,” along with $610,000 in cash. In Salem, Oregon, authorities seized more than $2.8 million in cash and luxury vehicles. Other significant seizures occurred in Layton, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Salazar Amaya and 14 other individuals face federal charges in New Mexico, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and related offenses. Salazar Amaya also faces immigration-related charges, such as illegal reentry after deportation and conspiracy to harbor unauthorized aliens.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the operation’s impact, stating, “This historic drug seizure, led by the DEA, is a significant blow against the Sinaloa Cartel that removes poison from our streets and protects American citizens from the scourge of fentanyl.” DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy added, “This case represents DEA’s largest single seizure of fentanyl pills to date.”
The investigation also led to additional arrests, including Phillip Lovato, 39, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where agents seized approximately 110,000 fentanyl pills, and Misael Lopez Rubio, 25, in Albuquerque, where 165.5 kilograms of fentanyl pills were confiscated from a storage unit.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of fentanyl and dismantle drug trafficking networks across the United States.
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