Salem Man Charged with Trafficking More Than 43 Pounds of Fentanyl and Heroin

Salem, Oregon- A Salem resident has been charged in federal court for allegedly trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and heroin, following a multi-agency investigation tied to a fatal overdose.

Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Authorities say Garcia was in possession of approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl and 11 pounds of heroin at the time of his arrest.

According to court documents, on July 27, investigators with the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant at Garcia’s residence in Salem. In addition to the drugs, agents seized an automated money counter and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Garcia made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin for the District of Oregon.

Federal officials continue to warn about the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid estimated to be 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. A dose as small as two milligrams can be fatal.

The widespread availability of fentanyl in Oregon has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths across the state, especially in the Willamette Valley.

All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law