https://www.kptv.com/2025/06/04/leader-portland-drug-trafficking-operation-pleads-guilty/

A man accused of leading a major drug-trafficking ring in the Portland metro area has pleaded guilty to federal drug and money laundering charges.

Luis Antonio Beltran Arredondo, 35, a Mexican national unlawfully living in North Las Vegas, Nevada admitted Monday to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl. And laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds.

Federal prosecutors say Arredondo ran an Oregon-based drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing large amounts of heroin and fentanyl throughout the region. Between October 2021 and January 2022, investigators seized over 52 pounds of heroin, more than seven pounds of fentanyl pills, and nearly six pounds of methamphetamine tied to the organization.

Authorities say Arredondo also laundered roughly $4.6 million in drug profits through a Tualatin beauty salon. The money was used to purchase nine rental properties, which have since been sieved by the federal government and are being sold.

Arredondo faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, and five years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for August 18, 2025.