A Mexican national illegally residing in Salem has been charged with trafficking drugs in Oregon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office—District of Oregon.
Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
On July 27, federal agents served a search warrant at Garcia’s Salem home as part of an investigation into narcotics trafficking and a fatal fentanyl overdose.
The United States Attorney’s Office said that detectives discovered approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automatic money counter, and cash.
Garcia made his first federal court appearance on Tuesday. He has been ordered to remain in detention until further court procedures.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team are all investigating the case.
