Orlando, Miami women sentenced for roles in major drug operation

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two Florida women have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other drugs, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Mayerline Patricia Salcedo, 31, of Orlando, was sentenced to 12 years, while Rachel Beth Cordero, 31, of Miami, received six years and six months. The court also ordered Ms Cordero to forfeit $3,689 in drug proceeds seized from her vehicle. Ms Salcedo was ordered to forfeit $27,286 in drug proceeds and a firearm seized from her apartment.

Cordero pleaded guilty on September 13, 2024, and Salcedo pleaded guilty on October 25, 2024.

According to court documents, on November 29, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reportedly followed Ms Cordero from her Miami apartment to an Orlando complex on Millenia Boulevard. After arriving, she remained in her vehicle while Ms Salcedo is said to have delivered a bag containing drugs.

When authorities later stopped Cordero’s vehicle, a search reportedly uncovered a kilogram brick of fentanyl wrapped in red tape, other drugs, drug proceeds, a digital scale, and cutting agents.

DEA agents then arrested Salcedo and executed a search warrant at her apartment. Investigators reportedly seized nearly 12 kilograms of methamphetamine, four and a half kilograms of fentanyl analogs, fentanyl pills, and powdered fentanyl packaged in similar wrapping. Authorities also found $27,286 in cash, a money counter, and a ledger allegedly tracking drug profits.

Prosecutors said Ms Salcedo regularly sent photos to conspirators showing currency, drug proceeds, and accounting ledgers reflecting collections of tens of thousands of dollars.

After Ms Cordero’s arrest, the DEA reportedly searched her Miami apartment, uncovering additional fentanyl, a kilogram press, and other drug distribution paraphernalia.

In total, the DEA seized nearly six kilograms of fentanyl and analogs, along with nearly 12 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana E. Hill is prosecuting it.