Joint Operation Targets Gun and Drug Trafficking in Salem and Portland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 20, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | [email protected]

SALEM, Ore. - A joint operation led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF), with assistance from the Salem Police Department's Strategic Investigations Unit and Violent
Crimes Unit, along with other law enforcement partners, has resulted in the arrest of three suspected
gang members and the seizure of illegal firearms, firearm conversion devices, and narcotics. The effort is
part of the department's ongoing violence reduction strategy.

The months-long investigation led to the recovery of:

• 15 firearms

• 58 machine-gun conversion devices

• 57 grams of cocaine

The case involves criminal activity in both Salem and the Portland area. On Thursday, November 13,
Salem Police SWAT, with support from the Oregon State Police SWAT Team, served search warrants at
two Salem residences - one in the 3300 block of Hadley Street NE and another in the 500 block of
Taybin Road NW.

Three individuals were arrested in connection with the case: Cesar Daniel Arevalo, 36, of Salem; Jose
Luis Diaz-Ceballos, 24; and Jose Luis Brown-Ceballos, 35. All were taken into custody and made their
initial appearances in federal court in Portland earlier this week. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S.
Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.

"This case exemplifies proactive policing as opposed to reactive policing," said Salem Police Chief
Trevor Womack. "It reflects our strategic focus on violence reduction and the importance of strong
partnerships in addressing gun crime. While both fatal and non-fatal injury shootings are down this year
compared to the same period last year, we recognize more work is needed to reverse the longer-term
trendline."

Special thanks to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oregon State
Police for their assistance with this case and their continued efforts to help make our community safer.
All media inquiries related to this case should be directed to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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