American citizen federally charged for allegedly coordinating drug deals from Juarez prison

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Five people face federal drug trafficking charges for allegedly distributing narcotics through an operation coordinated by an American citizen incarcerated in a Juarez prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office District for New Mexico, the FBI, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics and Homeland Security Investigations launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization accused of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl from Juarez to southern New Mexico.

Investigators identified 34-year-old Felix Anthony Salazar III as a suspect. USAO said Salazar is an American citizen who was incarcerated in Juarez.

On Sept. 5, 2025, Salazar allegedly arranged for an undercover agent to buy one kilogram of methamphetamine for $3,800 in Anthony, New Mexico.

USAO said 28-year-old Yadira Lizett Cano from El Paso drove to the meeting location with a 16-year-old boy, who delivered the methamphetamine to the undercover agent and collected the money. Lab tests confirmed the packages had 973 grams of pure methamphetamine. Investigators alleged Cano knowingly used the teenager to facilitate the transaction.

On Sept. 17, 2025, Salazar allegedly arranged another transaction involving half a kilogram of methamphetamine for $1,800 in Sunland Park.

USAO said 36-year-old Moses Andrew Gonzales and 36-year-old Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro, both from El Paso, arrived together. Gonzales allegedly delivered the drugs to an undercover agent.

Investigators found communications between Salazar and Grijalva Fierro that allegedly connected her to the arrangement. USAO said lab tests confirmed the package had 468 grams of pure methamphetamine.

On Oct. 24, 2025, Salazar allegedly arranged another drug transaction in Las Cruces. USAO said 31-year-old Suleima Eidali Miranda told an undercover agent to go to a home. Miranda allegedly delivered packages of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in exchange for $2,000. Lab tests said the packages had 984 grams of pure methamphetamine and 251 grams of fentanyl, USAO said.

All five suspects were arrested and placed in federal custody. Salazar surrendered to law enforcement Sunday after crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S., USAO said.