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Five individuals are facing federal charges for their involvement in an organization that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in southern New Mexico. The operation was allegedly coordinated from a Mexican prison by a US citizen who surrendered to authorities earlier this month.
Investigation Uncovers Cross-Border Drug Ring
According to court documents, the investigation began in mid-2025 when the FBI, the Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics unit, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified an organization transporting drugs from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to communities in southern New Mexico.
Inmate in Mexico Identified as Coordinator
Investigators identified Félix Anthony Salazar III, 34, a US citizen incarcerated in Ciudad Juárez, as the alleged mastermind behind the drug transactions with buyers in the United States.
The case details how the network operated: undercover operations documented three drug deliveries between September and October 2025 in southern New Mexico. These transactions were coordinated by Salazar via telephone from the Mexican prison. Salazar eventually surrendered to US police on October 11, 2026, after crossing the border.
First Transaction: Methamphetamine in Anthony, New Mexico
On September 5, 2025, Salazar allegedly arranged the first transaction. An undercover agent purchased approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine for $3,800 in Anthony, New Mexico.
Yadira Lizett Cano, 28, of El Paso, Texas, drove the vehicle to the meeting point with a 16-year-old passenger, who delivered the drugs and collected the payment. Laboratory tests confirmed 973 grams of pure methamphetamine. Investigators allege that Cano knowingly used the minor to facilitate the operation.
Second Delivery: Methamphetamine in Sunland Park
On September 17, 2025, Salazar allegedly organized a second transaction for half a kilogram of methamphetamine in Sunland Park, New Mexico, in exchange for $1,800. Moses Andrew Gonzales, 36, and Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro, 36, both from El Paso, arrived together at the location. Gonzales delivered the drugs to the undercover agent.
Communications between Salazar and Grijalva Fierro, according to investigators, directly linked her to the agreement. Laboratory analysis confirmed 468 grams of pure methamphetamine in this second operation.
Third Delivery: Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in Las Cruces
On October 24, 2025, Salazar allegedly arranged a third transaction that included methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in Las Cruces. Suleima Eidali Miranda, 31, drove the undercover agent to a residence, where she delivered the packages in exchange for $2,000.
Laboratory tests confirmed approximately 984 grams of pure methamphetamine and 251 grams of fentanyl in this delivery, which represented the largest combined volume of the three documented operations.
Charges Against the Accused
Salazar, Cano, Gonzales, Grijalva Fierro, and Miranda all face a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Specific accusations have been added based on each individual’s role in the organization.
Cano is also accused of distributing methamphetamine and using a minor in a drug operation. Gonzales and Grijalva Fierro face charges of methamphetamine distribution. Miranda is accused of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as conspiracy to distribute fentanyl alongside Salazar.
Arrests and Current Status of the Case
All five defendants have been arrested and remain in federal custody. Salazar, who had been incarcerated in Ciudad Juárez, surrendered to US police on the night of Sunday, October 11, 2026, after crossing the border between Mexico and the United States.
First Assistant US Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI’s Albuquerque field office announced the case. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of that office investigated the case with assistance from Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics and HSI. Assistant US Attorney Devon Aragón Martínez is handling the prosecution.
Homeland Security Task Force Framework
The investigation falls under the initiative of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), established by Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People from Invasion.” This is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within and outside the United States.
Through interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs law enforcement resources toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting crimes committed by these organizations. The group places particular emphasis on investigating cases involving child trafficking or other crimes against minors, in addition to utilizing available tools to prosecute and expel violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Authorities reminded the public that a criminal complaint constitutes only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/10/15/desde-una-carcel-en-ciudad-juarez-un-ciudadano-estadounidense-dirigia-el-trafico-de-fentanilo-y-metanfetamina-hacia-eeuu-hay-cinco-acusados/
