Orlando, Florida – Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia, a 20-year-old resident of Orlando, has admitted to charges of distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. According to United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, Salinas Valencia is in the country illegally and could face a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison. The sentencing date remains undecided.
The plea agreement reveals that from August 2023 to August 2024, Salinas Valencia operated an online business dealing in firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine within the Orlando area. An undercover law enforcement officer discovered his online store and conducted several covert transactions. During these operations, Salinas Valencia sold multiple firearms—including two machine guns—fentanyl pills, and cocaine to the officer.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021. This strategy emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence proactively, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.