Orlando, Florida – Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia, a 20-year-old residing in Orlando, has entered a guilty plea to charges of distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the plea, stating that Salinas Valencia, who is illegally present in the United States, could face a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison. The sentencing date remains undecided.

The plea agreement outlines that between August 2023 and August 2024, Salinas Valencia operated an online business dealing firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Orlando area. An undercover law enforcement officer discovered his online store and engaged in multiple undercover transactions. During these operations, Salinas Valencia sold several firearms—including two machine guns—fentanyl pills, and cocaine to the officer.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a strategy on May 26, 2021, to enhance PSN by fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, focusing on strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.