J
ustin Bayne, a commercial real‑estate broker in Austin, has been charged for his role in a prominent drug network. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says Bayne acted as both a buyer and a facilitator for Uthman “Tobi” Salisu, a Nigerian national who ran a cocaine distribution operation. Salisu admitted to supplying the drug to several people, including Bayne, who began as a regular customer before helping the enterprise grow.

    The ring operated out of Tarrytown and served a clientele of doctors, senior executives, and entertainment figures. According to the DPS affidavit, Bayne and Salisu’s relationship started on September 25 2023, with Bayne placing orders via text—such as “3 8’s” for three eight‑ball packages. Venmo records show at least 40 payments between July 23 2023 and July 25 2025, totaling more than $10,000.

    Bayne’s involvement deepened when, in June 2024, he created group chats to introduce Salisu to new customers. Through these connections, the DPS traced over $47,000 in drug transactions. Law enforcement received an anonymous tip in May, prompting a five‑month investigation that included physical and electronic surveillance, financial transaction analysis, and undercover purchases.

    Salisu was arrested on September 12 and booked into Travis County Jail, facing four counts of manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance and one count of money laundering. Bayne’s extensive ties to the operation were uncovered on November 11 through text evidence. The affidavit supplies sufficient detail to establish probable cause, though it does not disclose every aspect of the case.