Five people face federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in southern New Mexico through a drug trafficking operation coordinated by an American citizen locked inside a prison in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The charges followed a Homeland Security Task Force investigation that began in mid-2025.
TL;DR: Five defendants were federally charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in southern New Mexico. Prosecutors allege the operation was coordinated by Felix Anthony Salazar III, 34, an American citizen incarcerated in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Undercover buys netted hundreds of grams of meth and fentanyl.
According to court documents described by the Justice Department, the FBI, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations began investigating the organization in mid-2025 after identifying it as a pipeline moving methamphetamine and fentanyl from Ciudad Juarez into southern New Mexico.
How the Operation Worked, According to Prosecutors
Investigators identified Felix Anthony Salazar III, 34, as a suspected member of the organization who coordinated drug transactions with individuals in southern New Mexico — all while incarcerated across the border. Prosecutors allege Salazar arranged at least three undercover purchases between September and October 2025, directing associates on the U.S. side to deliver the drugs and collect payment.
Three Undercover Buys That Built the Case
September 5, 2025 — Anthony, New Mexico
Salazar allegedly arranged for an undercover agent to purchase approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine for $3,800 in Anthony, New Mexico. Yadira Lizett Cano, 28, of El Paso, Texas, allegedly drove to the meeting with a 16-year-old passenger, who delivered the methamphetamine and collected the money. Lab testing confirmed about 973 grams of pure methamphetamine.
September 17, 2025 — Sunland Park, New Mexico
Salazar allegedly arranged a second deal — about half a kilogram of methamphetamine for $1,800 in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Moses Andrew Gonzales, 36, and Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro, 36, both of El Paso, Texas, allegedly arrived together, and Gonzales delivered the drugs. Communications between Salazar and Grijalva Fierro allegedly tied her to the arrangement. Lab testing confirmed about 468 grams of pure methamphetamine.
October 24, 2025 — Las Cruces, New Mexico
The third alleged transaction added fentanyl to the mix. Suleima Eidali Miranda, 31, directed the undercover agent to a Las Cruces residence, where she allegedly delivered methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in exchange for $2,000. Lab testing confirmed about 984 grams of pure methamphetamine and 251 grams of fentanyl.
The Charges Each Defendant Faces
All five defendants are federally charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Beyond that shared charge, the alleged roles diverge: Cano is also charged with distribution of methamphetamine and using a juvenile in a drug operation; Gonzales and Grijalva Fierro are each charged with distribution of methamphetamine; Miranda is charged with distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl; and Salazar and Miranda are additionally charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
The Surrender at the Border
All five defendants have been arrested and are in federal custody. Salazar — who had been incarcerated in Ciudad Juarez — surrendered to law enforcement on Sunday night, October 11, 2026, after crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. He now faces the federal charges in New Mexico alongside his alleged associates. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
Featured image: fentanyl, firearms and cash seized in a major drug bust — Hearst Television photo via news-usa.today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the five defendants?
The defendants are Felix Anthony Salazar III, 34; Yadira Lizett Cano, 28, of El Paso, Texas; Moses Andrew Gonzales, 36, of El Paso; Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro, 36, of El Paso; and Suleima Eidali Miranda, 31. Salazar is an American citizen who was incarcerated in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
How could someone run a drug operation from inside a prison?
Prosecutors allege Salazar used communications from inside the Ciudad Juarez prison to arrange drug deals with associates in southern New Mexico. Contraband phones remain a persistent problem in prisons on both sides of the border.
What drugs were involved?
The investigation involved methamphetamine and fentanyl. Laboratory testing confirmed hundreds of grams of pure methamphetamine across the undercover buys, plus 251 grams of fentanyl in the October 2025 transaction.
What happened during the September 5, 2025 undercover buy?
Salazar allegedly arranged a one-kilogram methamphetamine purchase for $3,800 in Anthony, New Mexico. Cano allegedly drove there with a 16-year-old passenger, who delivered the drugs and collected the money. Lab tests confirmed about 973 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Why is one defendant accused of using a juvenile?
Investigators allege Cano knowingly used the 16-year-old to facilitate the September 2025 transaction. Using a minor in a drug operation is a separate federal charge and can significantly increase potential penalties.
What happened during the other two undercover buys?
On September 17, 2025, Gonzales allegedly delivered a half-kilogram of methamphetamine for $1,800 in Sunland Park (about 468 grams confirmed). On October 24, 2025, Miranda allegedly delivered methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in Las Cruces for $2,000 (about 984 grams of meth and 251 grams of fentanyl confirmed).
What charges does each defendant face?
All five are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Cano is also charged with meth distribution and using a juvenile; Gonzales and Grijalva Fierro with meth distribution; Miranda with meth and fentanyl distribution; and Salazar and Miranda with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Where are the defendants now?
All five have been arrested and are in federal custody. Salazar surrendered to U.S. law enforcement on the night of October 11, 2026, after crossing the border from Mexico.
Are the defendants considered guilty?
No. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Who investigated and announced the case?
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Albuquerque SAC Justin A. Garris announced the charges.
