Albuquerque Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Cocaine, Money Laundering

ALBUQUERQUE – Christopher Roybal, 35, the former head of an Albuquerque-based drug trafficking organization, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for cocaine trafficking and money laundering. Roybal faces a 14-year prison sentence as part of his plea agreement.

Roybal was one of the 19 defendants charged in December 2012 with drug trafficking and money laundering charges in a 60-count indictment. Today’s guilty plea leaves only three defendants yet to enter pleas in this case.

The investigation, code-named “Operation Rain Check,” spanned 16 months and involved the FBI, IRS, Albuquerque Police Department, DEA, HIDTA Region I Narcotic Task Force, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Roybal and ten others were originally charged with distributing large quantities of cocaine in New Mexico between August 2011 and December 2012.

During his change of plea hearing, Roybal admitted to conspiring with others to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine and participating in three money laundering conspiracies involving the transportation of drug proceeds from Albuquerque to California. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to forfeit his residence and a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.

Three defendants have entered not guilty pleas and await trial. Charges are merely accusations, and all criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.