Federal Prosecutors Charge New Mexico Man Operating Drug Ring from Mexican Prison

U.S. federal prosecutors have revealed that a man from New Mexico was allegedly running a drug distribution network in the United States while incarcerated in a Mexican prison on drug-related offenses.

This week, charges were brought against 34-year-old Felix Anthony Salazar III. Authorities have also secured indictments against several others who are already in custody. Last week, Salazar turned himself in to federal law enforcement at an international port of entry in El Paso, having just been released from a Mexican prison.

The case against Salazar and his associates commenced in September 2025, when a task force in New Mexico initiated an investigation into a drug operation reportedly moving narcotics smuggled from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Prosecutors allege this group was trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to federal prosecutors, even from his prison cell, Salazar managed to coordinate the sale and delivery of one kilogram of meth in September 2025. He allegedly had 28-year-old Yadira Lizett Lizcano drive a 16-year-old male, who acted as the delivery person. This deal was made with an undercover agent, who reportedly paid $3,800 for the drugs.

Not long after, authorities orchestrated a second controlled purchase. Salazar again facilitated the sale and delivery of half a kilogram of meth for $1,800, as noted in the federal indictments. In this instance, the drugs were delivered by 36-year-olds Moses Andrew Gonzales and Martha Janeth Grijalva Fierro to the undercover agent.

A week later, the task force arranged a third deal, where Salazar purportedly sold a package containing meth and fentanyl pills for $2,000. For this sale, Salazar directed 31-year-old Suleima Eidali Miranda to take the undercover agents to the location of the drug exchange.

Since then, federal authorities have arrested all individuals mentioned in the case, with various drug conspiracy charges filed against them.