ALBUQUERQUE – A jury delivered a guilty verdict against Alex Anthony Martinez, 38, of Albuquerque, for his central role in a sprawling multi-state fentanyl trafficking operation. The conviction, secured after a six-day trial and eight hours of deliberation, represents a major victory in the federal case against the network spearheaded by Heriberto Salazar Amaya. This bust yielded the largest single fentanyl pill seizure in DEA history.
Court documents reveal Martinez functioned as a “regional manager,” directing the flow of deadly fentanyl to distributors throughout Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Hobbs from July 2024 to April 2025. The investigation, a coordinated effort between the DEA and the Lea County Drug Task Force, didn’t stop with Martinez. It also brought down Jose Marquez, a high-volume fentanyl dealer operating in southern New Mexico. In November 2024, a raid on a northeast Albuquerque stash house linked to both Martinez and fellow regional manager Bruce Sedillo, uncovered a staggering 150,000 fentanyl pills, $72,000 in cash, and multiple firearms.
Following the arrest of Sedillo, Martinez allegedly took the reins, attempting to broaden operations to include smuggling narcotics into the Cibola County Correctional Center. On May 2, 2025, federal agents apprehended Martinez at his northwest Albuquerque residence during a coordinated, multi-state operation. This operation wasn’t just about Martinez; it targeted the entire network, leading to the largest single seizure of fentanyl pills in DEA history. A second superseding indictment, returned July 16, 2025, charged Martinez and 15 co-defendants with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, adding to his legal woes stemming from a prior charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This conviction marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for poisoning our communities with fentanyl,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Thanks to outstanding collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, we are taking apart the network that brought addiction and violence to New Mexico and neighboring states. We will not stop until every member is held fully accountable.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano added, “Drug trafficking networks are going to find the long arm of the DEA wherever they attempt to venture. This successful outcome is one of many more to come in this historic, record, multi-state operation.”
Martinez was convicted of Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The Court has ordered him held without bail pending sentencing. He now faces a potential life sentence. Meanwhile, the legal fallout continues. Jose Marquez pleaded guilty July 1, 2025, to Conspiracy to Commit a Drug Trafficking Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, facing a minimum of 10 years to life. Bruce Sedillo, who pleaded guilty July 2, 2025, to Conspiracy, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug trafficking Crime, faces a minimum of 15 years to life. Five other co-defendants – David Anesi, Cesar Acuna Moreno, Francisco Garcia, Phillip Lovato, and Brian Sanchez – have also entered guilty pleas. The remaining defendants, including the alleged kingpin Heriberto Salazar Amaya, are slated for trial in October.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the relentless flow of fentanyl into American communities and the ongoing battle to dismantle the organizations profiting from addiction and death. Grimy Times will continue to track the developments of this case and the fates of those involved.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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