An 18-month investigation into a criminal organization operating in southern New Mexico led to the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, federal authorities announced on November 7. The operation targeted a drug trafficking network operating across Las Cruces and surrounding areas, with authorities seizing hundreds of grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other drugs, as well as firearms and cash.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), was a direct response to criminal smuggling operations in the region. DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda James-Thorne issued a strong warning to traffickers: “If corrupt traffickers think they can come into southern New Mexico and set up shop, they’re sadly mistaken. The DEA will continue to do everything we can, working with our partners, to put them in jail.”
The 16 individuals arrested on federal drug charges include Armando Conrad Gonzales, aka “Forty,” 43; Leticia Maria Rodriguez, 41; Jessica Juel Henderson, aka “J.J.,” 45; Veronica Levario, 39; Richard Regan Beserra, 47; Daniel Roberto Herrera, aka “Fat Boy,” 33; Ernesto Salas Flores, 63; Beatriz Adriana Gonzalez, aka Beatriz Adriana Herrera-Gonzalez, 46; Sylvia Ann Parra, 52; Amanda Lea Weinrich, 38; Phillip Andrew Estell, aka “Flip,” 43; D’Anna Michelle Chavez, 47; Bruce Martin King, 68; Angel Flores, 45; and Kenneth Eric Yeager, 44, all of Las Cruces. Antonio Valles, aka “Tony,” 49, of Canutillo, Texas, was also arrested. In addition, eight more individuals face state charges related to the operation.
Federal officials indicated that the group did not have a formal name but worked together as part of a larger drug trafficking organization. According to court records, 14 of the individuals are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. One defendant is also charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution and use.
During the operation, officials served five search warrants across Las Cruces and southern New Mexico. The seizures included 1,315.2 grams of methamphetamine, 394.5 grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 4,000 pills), and three firearms. Additionally, further searches uncovered 842 grams of fentanyl, 1,118 grams of methamphetamine, 285 grams of cocaine, 36 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 400 grams of marijuana, 96 grams of hydrocodone, 13 firearms, and $2,200 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Camacho explained that wiretaps played a critical role in the investigation, providing valuable intelligence on the organization’s operations. The investigation also utilized confidential informants, undercover agents, and local law enforcement support from the Las Cruces Police Department and Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department, all of which were integral in the operation’s success.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the region and send a clear message to traffickers operating in southern New Mexico.
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