Mystery surrounds accused drug kingpin’s ties to Salem

Federal authorities said they seized more than $2.8 million in cash from Salem, where a man spent his final weeks as a drug kingpin with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. (U.S. Department of Justice)

The newly built house in east Salem was unassuming, aside from flashy cars spotted outside. 

For a short time, a drug kingpin with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel headquartered a multi-state drug empire from the home, according to federal authorities, who tracked him there in early April.

Heriberto Salazar Amaya, 36, a Mexican national, now awaits a federal trial in New Mexico. State drug trafficking charges also appear to be coming his way in Portland. 

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