The criminal complaint reports that investigators used GPS tracking to follow the couple handling the deliveries and observed behavior that supported suspicions of involvement in narcotics distribution. In addition, some intercepted packets contained large volumes of pills and powders consistent with counterfeit OxyContin laced with fentanyl and other substances.
The Ramaswamy campaign responded swiftly after news of the arrests broke. Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said the family was âalarmedâ and âdeeply disturbedâ by the allegations, emphasizing that the bodyguard was contracted through a thirdâparty security firm and not directly employed by the candidate or his family. Upon learning of the investigation, the security firm immediately removed Salsburey from all duties.
âVivek and his family take matters of safety seriously,â Luck said, and they support efforts to hold the individuals accountable if the charges are proven. However, opponents have seized on the episode to question the thoroughness of security vetting and oversight.
The arrest comes at a sensitive moment for Ramaswamy. The biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate is vying for the Republican nomination to succeed termâlimited Governor Mike DeWine in the 2026 Ohio governorâs race. Ramaswamy has nationally prominent endorsements, including from former President Donald Trump, and trails in a tight contest with Democrats in a battleground state.
Campaign rivals and critics have been quick to leverage the scandal, framing it as a security oversight that raises questions about judgment and operational control within the campaign. Some commentators argue that even though the security detail came from an outside firm, association with someone now accused of trafficking dangerous drugs is politically toxic.
Supporters, however, defend Ramaswamy, noting that even extensive background checks and drug screenings can fail to uncover illicit behavior â especially as the coupleâs alleged trafficking activity spanned more than a year without detection.
The episode highlights broader concerns about how campaigns vet and manage protective personnel. In modern politics, highâprofile candidates often rely on private security firms for personal and family safety â but the Salsburey case underscores vulnerabilities, particularly when security contractors have wide latitude in recruitment and surveillance.
Security experts say that even rigorous checks â including FBI and state criminal background investigations â are not foolproof, especially when individuals are engaged in covert activities or trafficking networks. And the use of cryptocurrency and the postal system in this case adds complexity, pointing to evolving trends in how illegal narcotics are shipped and distributed.
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