Feds crush ‘historic’ ABQ-centered drug empire: Millions in drugs, cash seized

The Piñon Post ^ | May 1, 2025 | Piñon Post staff

[CedarDave]

A sprawling fentanyl trafficking network stretching from Albuquerque to Salem, Oregon, has been shattered by federal authorities in what’s being called one of the largest operations of its kind in U.S. history.

The takedown, made public this week, culminated in a massive sweep across New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon. Federal agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized staggering amounts of contraband: over 4 million fentanyl pills, $4.4 million in cash, 79 pounds of meth, along with heroin, cocaine, and more than 41 firearms, according to records from the U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.

At the helm of this massive enterprise, prosecutors say, was Heriberto Salazar Amaya, apprehended in Portland, Oregon. Five others are already in custody in Albuquerque, following a 12-count grand jury indictment against 14 suspects. The sweeping charges include conspiracy, drug distribution, and employing an illegal alien.

“Defendants ran a continuing criminal enterprise … and they did so across a large swath of the United States,” prosecutors stated in a motion pushing for continued detention of the suspects. The court filing, which included charts highlighting drug overdose spikes in the affected states, described the operation as devastating. Three defendants in Albuquerque have already been ordered held without bail, with more hearings to come.

“The nature and circumstances of the conspiracy are sobering,” the motion emphasized. “The destruction that occurred in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Colorado at the hands of the (Heriberto Salazar Amaya drug trafficking organization) mandate that defendants remain in custody pending trial.” Prosecutors didn’t mince words, accusing the group of “terrorizing five states while operating one of the largest fentanyl (drug trafficking organizations) in history.”

[NorthMountain]

41 firearms? That’s an awfully small number. I’m also surprised at only $4.4 million in cash.

As an aside, were they using a fried-chicken restaurant chain for cover?

[TheThirdRuffian]

There is a reason Breaking Bad was located in ABQ.

[Twotone]

If you would like more information about what’s happening in Oregon, please FReepmail me. Please send me your name by FReepmail if you want to be on this list.

[gundog]

[Tailback]

The Fed probably knew about everyone involved for 10 years.

This. My Wife worked in an I-5 corridor middle school for around 10 years. The Sheriff's resource officer did a lot of work with her because she was involved in attendance. He knew every single kid that was a multi generational cartel member. He'd busted their parents, cousins, grandparents, uncles, aunts, the whole meal deal. A few of my Wife's student aides are serving time for gang related murder now. It's sad, because they didn't have an alternative in their family.