Nampa’s Rito Salazar Gets Over 15 Years for Meth Distribution

BOISE – In a major victory against drug trafficking, Rito Salazar, 59, of Nampa, Idaho, has been handed a 182-month federal prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

According to court records, Salazar had become a significant player in the drug trade, regularly sending couriers to California monthly to purchase massive quantities of meth. He then transported these drugs back to Idaho, where he redistributed them to local street dealers for further sale. Salazar’s criminal history includes previous convictions for drug trafficking at the state level.

“This investigation is a shining example of what happens when local and federal law enforcement work together to dismantle multi-state drug rings,” Whatcott stated. “As our community grows, so does the threat from drug traffickers. Holding them accountable remains a top priority.”

The prosecution was the result of a collaborative effort between the Boise Area Narcotic Drug Interdiction Team (BANDIT), Canyon County City and County Narcotics Unit (CCNU), and the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Fresno Resident Agency. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Manweiler handled the case.

This case was brought to justice with the help of a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho focused on regional coordination and cooperation. For more information on their efforts, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.

Salazar will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term ends.