Written by Officer Ray Wilson 10/29/2021
Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression Unit conducted an almost 40-day undercover narcotic operation resulting in 36 individuals being charged with felonies.
The operation, which began on August 17th, and ran through September 24th, 2021, focused on individuals who were suspected of trafficking illegal narcotics through various social media platforms. State Police is increasingly seeing online resources being used to facilitate the illegal drug trade and circumvent enforcement efforts by law enforcement. The majority of the individuals were charged with Trafficking or Possession of Illegal Narcotics with the Intent to Distribute.
In addition to the 36 individuals being charged, undercover State Police agents seized 8.5 ounces of Methamphetamine, 914 Fentanyl pills, and 4.5 ounces of Cocaine during the operation.
“As criminals evolve and find new ways to circumvent the system and commit crimes, so too will our organization evolve,” said Tim Johnson, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Whether it’s on the street or social media, my officers and agents will find those poisoning our communities with dangerous illegal drugs and bring them to justice”.
In a subsequent 2-day warrant roundup conducted on October 13th and 14th, 2021, 11 of the 36 individuals were arrested. There are still 25 of those charged pending arrest.