Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Connecticut man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to import GBL with intent to manufacture GHB, and concealment money laundering.
In May 2024, investigators learned that Hatem S. Salem, 56, was importing quantities of GBL, a precursor for the “date-rape” drug GHB, into Virginia from China. From August 2024 through January 2025, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases of various controlled substances, including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and over 100 grams of meth from Salem.
On Jan. 30, investigators searched Salem’s residence in Shelton, Connecticut. Agents recovered 151 grams of meth, 626 grams of cocaine, various quantities of Ketamine, MDMA, and LSD, bottles containing GBL and GHB, and 157 boxes containing nearly 1,200 liters of suspected GBL in Salem’s basement. As part of his guilty plea, Salem admitted that over 2,000 liters of GBL was involved in the importation conspiracy. Investigators also discovered a clandestine lab in Salem’s shed that contained substances and equipment for manufacturing GHB. A financial investigation revealed that Salem used various methods, such as convoluted transactions between business and personal bank accounts, to conceal or disguise the proceeds from his drug conspiracy. Investigators seized assets constituting proceeds of Salem’s drug trafficking conspiracy and property involved in money laundering, including approximately $370,000 in cash and $171,500 in cryptocurrency.
Salem has several prior federal narcotics-related convictions. In 1999, Salem was convicted for conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, distribution of anabolic steroids, and making false statements. In 2005, Salem was convicted for distribution of GBL and GHB while he was on probation for his 1999 conviction. In 2015, Salem was convicted for unlawful importation of GBL with intent to manufacture GHB.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hahn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-105.