An American incarcerated in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, has been accused of arranging narcotics deals with others in southern New Mexico. The 34-year-old is one of several people facing federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to court records.
The FBI, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations all played roles in the investigation. Authorities began investigating the accused drug trafficking organization in mid-2025, suspecting it of transporting methamphetamine and fentanyl from Ciudad Juárez to southern New Mexico.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico identified Felix Anthony Salazar III, 34, as a prisoner in Ciudad Juarez and an alleged member who organized cocaine transactions.
According to court filings, Salazar reportedly organized three cocaine transactions with an undercover investigator between September and October 2025.
On September 5, 2025, Salazar allegedly negotiated the sale of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine for $3,800 in Anthony, New Mexico. Yadira Lizett Cano, 28, of El Paso, allegedly drove to the encounter with a 16-year-old passenger who reportedly handed over the cocaine to the undercover agent and took the money.
Laboratory tests revealed that the shipments contained around 973 grams of pure methamphetamine. Investigators said Cano purposefully manipulated the juvenile to effectuate the deal.
Less than two weeks later, on September 17, Salazar allegedly arranged another deal in Sunland Park, New Mexico, involving approximately half a kilogram of methamphetamine for $1,800.
Moses Andrew Gonzales, 36, and Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro, 36, both from El Paso, allegedly arrived together, with Gonzales delivering the drugs to the undercover agent. Investigators pointed to correspondence between Salazar and Grijalva Fierro as evidence linking her to the agreement.
According to court filings, laboratory testing indicated that the transaction involved approximately 468 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Salazar allegedly arranged for another methamphetamine and fentanyl pill sale in Las Cruces on October 24, 2025. Suleima Eidali Miranda, 31, allegedly led the undercover agent to a home where she handed over bundles of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in exchange for $2,000.
According to court records, laboratory tests confirmed about 984 grams of pure methamphetamine and 251 grams of fentanyl.
Salazar, Cano, Gonzales, Grijalva Fierro, and Miranda have been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Cano is also accused of supplying methamphetamine and utilizing a child in a drug operation. Gonzales and Grijalva Fierro are both charged with distributing methamphetamine, while Miranda is also charged with distributing meth and fentanyl.
Salazar and Miranda have also been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
All five accused have been apprehended and are now in federal detention. Salazar surrendered to authorities on Sunday night, October 11, after crossing the border from Mexico into the United States.
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