Salem Man Arrested for Drug Trafficking Tied to Sinaloa Cartel

Salem, Oregon – Federal officials have arrested 36-year-old Heriberto Salazar Amaya, suspected of leading a major drug trafficking operation linked to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. The arrest occurred on May 8, 2025, and comes as part of a broader investigation that has resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars, luxury jewelry, and two vehicles.

Authorities state that Salazar Amaya’s operation spanned across five states, including Oregon and New Mexico. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed his illegal status in the country, noting that he has been deported twice, once in 2010 and again in 2012. She emphasized the importance of holding him and his accomplices accountable.

“He’s the leader. He’s the number one guy,” Bondi said. “I want them to stay in our prisons as long as possible. I have no desire to send them back to Mexico because they were coming across our border illegally.”

Salazar Amaya faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and violating U.S. immigration laws. The Department of Justice has stated that while he is a significant player, he is not the head of the entire Sinaloa Cartel, which is known to be decentralized.

The Sinaloa Cartel, identified as one of Mexico’s oldest and most violent drug trafficking organizations, was designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by the State Department earlier this year. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the cartel operates under a structure that includes various factions, such as “Los Chapitos,” led by the sons of the infamous drug lord El Chapo.

While officials have not commented extensively on the ongoing case, they continue to investigate the wide-reaching network of the operation led by Salazar Amaya.