FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: November 20, 2025  

Joint Operation Targets Gun and Drug Trafficking in Salem and Portland 

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: 

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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