Terrazas-Ignacio was arrested this morning in Las Cruces. In March, the 24-year-old from Houston was arrested after an X-ray and further inspection at a port of entry in Laredo, Texas, uncovered nearly 127 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank of the SUV she was driving, court documents said. In February, the U.S. Attorneys office announced that 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine were seized in an investigation targeting a Bay Area drug ring that was led by the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. Petro's decriminalization approach comes as Biden has been increasingly criticized by Republicans for being weak on border security and stopping the flow of fentanyl from Mexican cartels who also traffic in Colombian cocaine. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Though illegal substances brought in by that type of courier represent just a fraction of the overall drugs crossing into the U.S., those apprehensions in fiscal year 2018 were more balanced between U.S. citizens and non-citizens at 467 vs. 386, respectively, Customs and Border Protection data shows. A drug cartel hijacked and burned more than a dozen vehicles across Tijuana and killed innocent bystanders in the region during a spree of violence. "Smuggling drugs is a risk management enterprise. District of New Mexico | Twenty-Eight Alleged Members of Mexican Drug Instead of awar on drugs, Petrofavors expanding crop substitution programs that would provide rural farmers with incentives and training to grow legal crops. Feds announce string of Bay Area drug-trafficking busts tied to Sinaloa Cartel Four multi-agency investigations yield 15 criminal cases with 44 defendants, highlighted by Sunnyvale bust that . The New Mexico Substance Use Epidemiology Profile is a tool for substance abuse prevention planners at the state, county, and community level. Authorities said Ingram had served time in the Arizona Department of Corrections on prior drug-related charges. Indictments and complaints are only allegations. An official website of the United States government. Daisy Hidalgo, 22, of Anthony, N.M., is charged in Counts 1 and 36-37 of the indictment. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Lucero Complaint The defendants communicated extensively by telephone and text message about their drug trafficking business. or redistributed. District of New Mexico Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Rios was arrested in El Paso. New Mexicos fentanyl deaths have been on the rise since 2015, data from the states Department of Health shows. Terrazas-Ignacio was arrested this morning in Las Cruces. He was arrested in October 2008 in a shoot-out with Mexican authorities at his Tijuana home. A locked padlock On Tuesday, Oct., officers with the New Mexico State. Customs and Border Protection figures show the agency seized nearly 92,000 poundsof drugs from vehicles at southern ports of entry between October 2020 and May. In addition to the 650 pounds of methamphetamine, federal authorities seized 15 pounds of heroin, prosecutors said in court papers. Deputies and members of an FBI task force seized about 18,000 pills along with meth, heroin and other substances after getting a tip Ingram would regularly travel from Arizona to New Mexico with narcotics and would distribute them in the Albuquerque area, authorities said. Attorneys Selesia L. Winston and Sarah M. Davenport of the U.S. Attorneys Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the cases as part of the OCDETF Program and the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. An official website of the United States government. But the suspect deputies say had. Mexican cartels flexed their power in Tijuana. Now a battle for - NPR It also alleges that nine of the defendants also participated in an international money laundering conspiracy during that same period in time. Statistics published earlier this year show that New Mexicos 2020 fentanyl-related death rate was seven times higher than it was in 2016. In 2021, the Latin American country produced 972 tons of cocaine that are exported mostly to the United States, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy reported last July. Georgina Ramirez, 36, of Anthony, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 36-38 and 43 of the indictment. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Updated: Feb 17, 2022 / 06:44 AM MST GRANTS, N.M. (KRQE) - More than $1 million worth of drugs are now off the streets of New Mexico, thanks to a single bust. Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my European daughter-in-law's behavior? Reducing drug use does not require wars, Petro told world leaders at the United Nations in September. Michael Collins covers the White House. Similarly, 23-year-old Mike Mendoza, also of Houston, was arrested in February after border agents stopped him at the JuarezLincoln International Bridge in Laredo while driving a pickup truck with 132 pounds of meth stashed in its tires, according to a criminal complaint. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized the over 1,200 pounds of crystal meth before it ever hit the streets. "Drug organizations are much more adept at changing than the government is," said Manjarrez, now a professor of border and national security at the University of Texas, El Paso. Omar Fernandez, 21, of Albuquerque, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 24 and 28 of the indictment. Six Northern New Mexico Residents Arrested In Conspiracy To Distribute Friday, May 7, 2021. The indictment alleges that from March 26 to June 9, Seibel, Pettit and others conspired to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said it would have caused incredible damage in our communities.. Count 3 charges certain defendants with distribution of cocaine base. Jorge Marquez was sentenced to over 27 years in prison. . Substance Use - nmhealth.org The indictment also charges certain defendants with engaging in a series of substantive drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, and using communication devices (telephones) to facilitate their criminal activities. Counts 2, 5, 7, 9 and 11 charge certain defendants with use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. In addition, the Las Cruces and El Paso offices of Homeland Security Investigations, Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office, Las Cruces Police Department and Sunland Park Police Department participated in todays law enforcement operation. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico, DTO Allegedly Imported Large Quantities of Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine from Mexico, which were Distributed in New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois, Federal Domestic Violence Statutes and Elements for Prosecution, Twenty-Eight Alleged Members of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and International Money Laundering Offenses, Today law enforcement in New Mexico and West Texas has dealt a severe blow to a drug trafficking organization with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Glaspy. Related Articles NMSP make arrests on social media operation - KRQE This entire investigation is a perfect example of an interdiction that continued into a perfectly executed investigation through a unified effort., The results of this multi-agency operation reflects greatly on the partnership and commitment of dedicated men and women to combat the poisoning of our communities with highly addictive and dangerous drugs, said Waldemar Rodriguez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. The charges against Lucero arise out of the seizure of approximately 24.4 pounds (11 kilograms) of heroin and 2.45 pounds (1.1 kilogram) of cocaine by the U.S. Border Patrol on March 10, 2017, during an inspection at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 25 north of Las Cruces, N.M. This undated photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows seized drug bundles containing 132 pounds of methamphetamine on display from Feb. 25, 2021, at the Laredo port of entry. A photo from federal court documents show the drugs, cash, and firearms seized. Peter Ryan Lynch was charged with receipt or possession of a destructive device. Mryna Montemayor, a public defender representing Barboza, did not respond to an email seeking comment. 0:00. Drug busts in DC area, 7 states linked to Sinaloa cartel; drugs, guns, $5.4 million seized. Count 43 charges certain defendants with possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. In keeping our community safe, I want to enlist their help by asking them to report anything out of the ordinary, suspicious behavior and domestic violence. Count 12 charges a defendant with distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) The national director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is calling a recent drug bust in Albuquerque the largest in the Bureaus history. Two other defendants are charged in a criminal complaint with heroin trafficking offenses arising out of the seizure of approximately 17.8 pounds of heroin by the Hatch Police Department during a traffic stop near Hatch, N.M., on April 20, 2017. Hollywood writers to go on strike for first time in over 15 years, slamming 'gig economy', Italy seizes 4 tons of cocaine worth $256 million in bust linked to Colombian drug operation, fentanyl accountsfor the majority of synthetic opioid deaths, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy reported, Pablo Escobar's "cocaine hippos" won't stop multiplying - so Colombia wants some gone, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Drug busts in DC area, 7 states linked to Sinaloa cartel; drugs, guns ALBUQUERQUE Twenty-eight individuals are facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges as the result of a federal investigation targeting a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for importing large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico, and distributing the drugs in New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois. Dear Abby: I have a great life, so why have I fallen into this shameful behavior? Gutierrez was arrested this morning in Belen. "U.S. citizens people that are struggling financially that are going to be allowed to come in. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting this case. "This was not something he was regularly involved in," Cantu said of Mendoza, who pleaded guilty to a drug smuggling charge in March. "It is one thing to spray a plant and some human beings who are economically weak, and another thing is to pursue the drug trafficking business community, which is done through intelligence work, tracing their assets and their money, and which is done through intersection," he said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. All rights reserved. At least 34 suspects arrested that day face drug trafficking charges in either federal or state District Court, Apodaca said (see list on page A4). The maximum penalty on conviction is up to four years in prison. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at, Rio Rancho Man Charged with Possession of Destructive Devices, Artistas Asesinos Cartel leader sentenced to 27 years for drug trafficking, Prison escapee sentenced to 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge resulting from shooting of Farmington Police Officer. Overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl have soared inthe United States, and fentanyl accountsfor the majority of synthetic opioid deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Further, that Ryan Rodriguez acted as a mid-level cocaine distributor, receiving supplies of cocaine from Jose and Natalie Mendoza, converting it to crack cocaine, and distributing it to customers, including an undercover agent posing as a lower-level drug trafficker. Feds seize 650 pounds of meth in Bay Area, four indicted on Santa Clara: Investigation underway into attempted bank robbery, Pleasanton: Suspects sought in fatal stabbing during robbery attempt, Attacks on delivery drivers add to gig workers fears, Search for missing Oklahoma teens leads to house, 7 dead, U.S. Attorneys office announced that 1,000, Harriette Cole: My friend's mom didn't recognize me at my job, and she was very rude. Barboza told law enforcement officials that she was to drive the shipment to an undisclosed location in Houston in exchange for $10,000, according to a criminal complaint. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPEs principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. Full story on KRQE.com: https://www.krqe.com/video/video-shows-espanola-police-shoot-man-armed-with-rifle-during-traffic-stop/, BCSO deputy impersonator to remain in jail. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Fentanyl and meth are cheaper and more widely available as street drugs, interviews with law enforcement and Department of Health Officials reveal. In January 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration's Dallas division reported the largest methamphetamine and heroin seizure in the branch's history. Follow him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS. Prescription Drug Overdose in New Mexico (2022-Q4), Prescription Drug Overdose in New Mexico (2022-Q3), Prescription Drug Overdose in New Mexico (2022-Q2). Luis Angel Briseo-Lopez, 30, a Mexican national believed to reside in Juarez, Mexico, is charged in Counts 1-4, 6, 13-17, 20-21, 23, 25-26, 29, 31-32 and 34-39 of the indictment. We rely on each other to help keep our communities safe from those who defy our laws., Through partnerships within our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, those communities and families affected by criminal activity can rest assured, that at the end of the day, we are all here to Serve and Protect. Jose Manuel Ortiz-Campos, 28, a legal permanent resident residing in El Paso, Tex., is charged in Counts 1- 2 and 36-40 of the indictment. Americans are critical to these operations, trafficking experts say. It also seeks the imposition of a money judgment in the amount of at least $1.4 million, the amount allegedly derived from the crimes charged in the indictment. Box 607 Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are only accusations. SAN JOSE Federal authorities say they raided a stash house here containing 588 pounds of methamphetamine, part of a series of seizures that yielded some 650 pounds of the drug in total. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A grand jury returned an indictment against the defendants Feb. 25. The following agencies assisted with the investigation: Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Region III Narcotics Task Force, which includes members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe Police Department, Santa Fe County Sheriff and the Taos Police Department. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, By Associated Press - The criminal complaint charges Jose Fernando Lucero, 24, of Las Cruces, N.M., with conspiracy and possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPEs principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. It was a three-month operation that. The U.S. Attorneys Office said both amounts would be the largest seizures of either drug in the U.S. in both 2020 or 2021. The maximum penalty on conviction varies for each defendant. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Indictment in United States v. Luis Angel Briseo-Lopez, et al., 17-CR-1032-RB. For almost two decades, the United States spent around $10 billionto fight cocaine production. 500 pounds of meth; 11 St. Louisians arrested in massive drug - FOX 2 Why California bills to crack down on fentanyl dealers have been doomed in the state Legislature Count 41 charges a defendant with carrying and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Joshua Jande Carmona, 23 of El Paso, Tex., is charged in Counts 1-3, 5-8, 10-11, 14, 29-31 and 34-35 of the indictment. Count 1 charges all six defendants with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. In addition to the drugs, authorities recovered several guns from the suspected stash house in San Jose, according to prosecutors. Manuel German Ibarra, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 2, 22 and 31 of the indictment. Mexico arrests drug cartel leader expelled by US - Al Jazeera (7News) ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) On Wednesday federal and local . California legislative effort to curtail trafficking fentanyl through social media stalls AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Three people have been arrested after a traffic stop in New Mexico led agents to a drug bust in Amarillo. Agents also seized $12,000 in cash, 30 pounds of marijuana, three guns and "personal use" amounts of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, Apodaca said. . Alfonso Rios, 36, of Santa Rosa, N.M., is charged in Counts 1 and 11 of the indictment. Lock Counts 14, 25, 35 and 36 charge certain defendants with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. He told authorities he acted as a middle man and would take the cash from the drug deals in New Mexico back to Arizona, the complaint says. Wed, May 26th 2021, 2:30 PM PDT. According to court papers filed by federal prosecutors, authorities had been pursuing the drug ring since 2018, but a prior investigation was thwarted. Wendy Fry has covered Tijuana, greater Baja California and border issues at The San Diego Union-Tribune. Eloy Romero was convicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of Cruz Lopez-Acevedo was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Ask Amy: My fiancee's family says I'm not invited, and she's going without me, Ask Amy: I put a security camera in my room, and what I saw was creepy, The dad whose wife and child were among 5 killed by a neighbor in Texas describes how the massacre unfolded, 'Total dominance': Steph Curry breaks NBA Game 7 record, leads Warriors over Kings, Dear Abby: The reason her fiance hid his phone was something she never guessed, Mortgage fees to rise for buyers with high credit scores, fall for those with lower scores, Kurtenbach: Steph Curry built the Warriors dynasty. 64 people indicted in massive Colorado drug ring bust - The Denver Post Court records did not show that an attorney had been appointed for him yet. Counts 6 and 29 charge certain defendants with possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and a substance containing methamphetamine. Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs to be $360,000. Leader of Mexico's United Cartels and Others Charged in South Florida Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Devils blank Rangers in Game 7, face Canes in second, Harden scores 45, hits late 3 as 76ers down Celtics, Met Gala: Rihanna, Jared Leto as Choupette, Kim K., Serena Williams, Karlie Kloss reveal pregnancies, Phillies slugger Harper expected to return to lineup, Braves slugger Ronald Acua Jr. exits game after, a September 1 search of multiple locations, KRQE-Emerson Poll: Majority of New Mexicans think crime has gotten worse, Bernalillo County and Albuquerque team up for fentanyl education program. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS PUBLISHED: February 12, 2021 at 1:17 p.m. | UPDATED: February 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A state, federal and local investigation has busted a Colorado drug and money laundering ring with ties to . P.O. Six people have been arrested by ICE on various drug trafficking charges involving crack cocaine. Fentanyl seizures at U.S. southern border rise dramatically - NBC News ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The information that led to Thursdays bust stemmed from a recent gang intelligence operation. Homeland Security Investigators. Natalie Mendoza allegedly kept records of drug sales and collected proceeds from drug transactions. Main Office: The latest videos from KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos The 44-count indictment, which was filed under seal on April 19, 2017 and unsealed earlier today, alleges that the 23 defendants charged therein participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine between April 2016 and April 2017. Data from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diego Armando Rivas-Aguilar, 23, a Mexican national, is charged in Counts 1 and 33 of the indictment. Drug raid:Italy seizes 4 tons of cocaine worth $256 million in bust linked to Colombian drug operation. Lock Prosecutors also say the group appears to have a knack for discovering tracking devices on their cars, which may have tipped off the groups alleged leader that he was under investigation. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Two other defendants, who were not previously charged, were arrested during todays law enforcement operation. It needs us all to build a better society, a more supportive, more affectionate society.. In the September 1 bust, the FBI partnered with local police and other federal agents to seize the large quantity of fentanyl. Nationwide warrant issued for Glouster man believed involved in drug ring. Through todays announcement, the law enforcement community is sending a loud and clear message to those who traffic drugs in our communities that they cannot commit crimes in New Mexico without consequence., Today law enforcement in New Mexico and West Texas has dealt a severe blow to a drug trafficking organization with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Glaspy. Federal agents arrested them Feb. 27 Thursday with assistance from state and local law enforcement. A lock ( Reyes and Ornelas were arrested today in Horizon City. Martin J. Contreras, 25, of Rio Rancho, N.M., is charged in Counts 1 and 25-26 of the indictment. According to court records, Seibel, assisted by his co-conspirators included Pettit and Dockery, allegedly sold blues, which are counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as fentanyl pills manufactured in Albuquerque using a pill press machine. Traffic stop in N.M. leads to arrest of suspected drug dealers in Amarillo
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