LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Federal Law Enforcement agencies announced the bust of a large drug trafficking ring in Southern New Mexico.
According to officials, thousands of fentanyl pills were seized and 24 people were arrested.
Officials stated that 16 people were charged in connection to trafficking and distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and other drugs in the Anthony, New Mexico and Las Cruces areas.
Officials shared their names, alias and age in a news release:
- Armando Conrad Gonzales, a.k.a. “Forty,” 43
- Leticia Maria Rodriguez, 41
- Jessica Juel Henderson, a.k.a. “JJ,” 45
- Veronica Levario, 39
- Richard Regan Beserra, 47
- Daniel Roberto Herrera, a.k.a. “Fat Boy,” 33
- Ernesto Salas Flores, 63
- Beatriz Adriana Gonzalez, a.k.a. Beatriz Adriana Herrera-Gonzalez, 46
- Sylvia Ann Parra, 52
- Amanda Lea Weinrich, 38
- Phillip Andrew Estell, a.k.a. “Flip,” 43
- D’Anna Michelle Chavez, 47
- Bruce Martin King, 68
- Angel Flores, 45
- Kenneth Eric Yeager, 44
- Antonio Valles, a.k.a. “Tony,” 49
Authorities said all suspects were from Las Cruces, except for Antonio Valles, who they said is from Canutillo.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security investigators, U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Dona Ana Sheriff’s Department were the agencies that worked together during the investigation.
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The New Mexico Department of Justice sharing a timeline of the investigation:
- March 9, 2023: Beserra transported 182 fentanyl pills, 3.2 grams of methamphetamine, and a firearm in Anthony, New Mexico. He was stopped by law enforcement, who seized the items.
- April 4, 2024: Levario and Herrera were traveling to sell 40 fentanyl pills and was stopped by law enforcement while delivering them, resulting in the seizure of 202 fentanyl pills and 30.9 net grams of pure methamphetamine in Levario’s purse.
- April 16: Henderson sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $1,800.
- April 25: Gonzales delivered methamphetamine to Henderson, who sold the drugs to an undercover agent for $1,800.
- May 10: Henderson sold 105.62 net grams of fentanyl for $1,200 and a 20-gauge shotgun for $300 to an undercover agent.
During a press conference, investigators stated, that multiple agencies conducted search warrants at six properties allegedly connected to the operation.
Officials added that thousands of fentanyl pills, and over 2,000 grams of methamphetamine were seized.
Other drugs such as cocaine, mushrooms, marijuana, and hydrocodone were also found.
Officials also seized at least 16 firearms.
Towanda Thorne-James a special agent in charge of the DEA El Paso division stated, “If drug traffickers think that they can come into southern New Mexico and set up shop, they’re sadly mistaken. the drug enforcement administration will continue to do everything we can to partner with our state, local, and federal partners to beat them at their game and to put them in jail.”
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