Oregon part of multi-state fentanyl bust; largest in DEA history
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KPTV) - Evidence was seized, and a ringleader was arrested in Oregon as part of a multi-state federal fentanyl bust, the largest in the history of the DEA, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ says the bust was centered around the Sinaloa Cartel. More than $2.8 million in U.S. currency, along with about $50,000 worth of jewelry and two cars, were seized in Salem as part of the bust.
“The Sinaloa cartel is one of our major targets of the DEA, for everyone behind us. We try to attack the mid-level hierarchy, the wholesalers, all the way down to the street-level dealers,” said David Reames, DEA Seattle Special Agent.
In New Mexico, federal authorities seized 396 kilograms of fentanyl pills and 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, along with other evidence, including cocaine, heroin and guns.
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“Behind the three million fentanyl pills we seized are destructive criminal acts thwarted and American lives saved,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “This wasn’t just a bust—it was a battlefield victory against a terrorist-backed network pumping death into our cities.”
Evidence was also seized in Layton, Utah, Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas. 16 people were arrested.
Heriberto Salazer Amaya, 36, who the DOJ describes as a leader of the drug trafficking organization, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Multnomah County on April 28.
Amaya faces federal charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and multiple immigration-related charges.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salem Police Department were not a part of these operations. FOX 12 reached out to the regional DEA and U.S. Attorney’s offices and has not heard back.
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