MJP-
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced today that a coordinated operation involving the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service, and New Mexico State Police successfully dismantled a significant drug trafficking network linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, N.M.
On Oct 30., search warrants were executed at 13 locations across New Mexico, targeting individuals believed to be involved in various federal offenses.
The operation led to the arrests of several individuals and the seizure of 15 firearms, ammunition, fentanyl, methamphetamine, suboxone strips, $6,000 in cash, and 23 cell phones.
The following individuals were targeted in the operation:
- Nora Baca – Albuquerque, NM
- Estrella Gonzalez – Albuquerque, NM
- Angelo Garcia – Albuquerque, NM
- Monalisa Vargas – Albuquerque, NM
- Theresa Atencio – Albuquerque, NM
- Johnny Valiterra (aka “Chopper”) – Albuquerque, NM
- Richard Porras (aka “Deuce”) – Albuquerque, NM
- Sonia Trinidad – Albuquerque, NM
- Desiree Benavidez – Los Lunas, NM
- Ana Romero – Gallup, NM
- Adolfo Montano – Seboyeta, NM
- Kimberly and Kelly Perry – Crownpoint, NM
- Monique Gallegos and David Hicks – Grants, NM
As part of the operation, an indictment was announced against multiple individuals involved in the Cibola County Correctional Center drug trafficking scheme.
Among those charged were:
- Lupe Vargas, 40, an inmate, and Edward Vallez, 44, an inmate, along with Monalisa Vargas, 38, Lupe’s wife, and Michael Garcia, 46, were charged with conspiracy and attempting to provide prohibited objects within a correctional facility.
- Nora Baca, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
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“This week’s operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to continue to dismantle criminal enterprises operating in New Mexico,” said Philip Russell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division, in a statement.
“The FBI, along with our federal, state, local and tribal partners are determined to bring drug traffickers to justice for crimes committed and damage done to our communities.”
