Illegal Hunting Complaint Leads to Gun, Drug, and Immigration Charges

Multi-agency investigation in Limestone County uncovers drug trafficking, firearms, and poaching violations.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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A complaint about illegal hunting in Tanner, Alabama led to a multi-agency investigation involving the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Conservation Officers, and ICE agents. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of approximately 17 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and illegally harvested game.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing complex crimes that involve multiple jurisdictions and types of violations, from illegal hunting and trespassing to drug trafficking and firearms offenses involving undocumented individuals.

The details

The investigation began in December when state conservation officers responded to a complaint about illegal hunting in Tanner. When officers arrived, several armed individuals fled the area. This led to the execution of a search warrant at a property on Nuclear Plant Road, where authorities recovered the marijuana, firearms, and illegally harvested game. Two of the four individuals arrested, Oralia Salgado Luna and Gerson Andres Paz Rivera, were charged with marijuana trafficking, possession of firearms while in the country illegally, and hunting-related offenses. ICE detainers were issued for both.

  • The initial complaint about illegal hunting was made in December.
  • The search warrant was executed on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The illegal hunting charges date back to January 9, 2026.

The players

Limestone County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that led the multi-agency investigation.

Alabama Conservation Officers

State wildlife officers who responded to the initial complaint about illegal hunting.

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Federal immigration agency that assisted in the investigation and issued detainers for two of the suspects.

Oralia Salgado Luna

A 53-year-old woman from Mexico who was charged with marijuana trafficking, possession of a firearm while in the country illegally, and hunting-related offenses.

Gerson Andres Paz Rivera

A 32-year-old man from Honduras who was charged with the same offenses as Oralia Salgado Luna.

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What they’re saying

“This case began as a trespassing and illegal hunting complaint, but through strong interagency cooperation, it quickly evolved into a significant drug trafficking and firearms investigation.”

— Joshua McLaughlin, Limestone County Sheriff (al.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Oralia Salgado Luna and Gerson Andres Paz Rivera to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to address complex crimes that involve multiple jurisdictions and types of violations. It also underscores the need for vigilance in protecting private property rights and responsible hunting practices in local communities.