Sunland Park Heroin Kingpin Admits Guilt

LAS CRUCES, NM – Raymundo Munoz, 69, of Sunland Park, New Mexico, has confessed to running a significant heroin operation, pleading guilty in federal court today. The admission comes after a lengthy DEA investigation that exposed a network funneling narcotics across the border and into Doña Ana County. Munoz faces 72 months in prison, followed by a period of supervised release determined by the court.

The investigation, part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, revealed Munoz sourced heroin from Juan Francisco Rivera, 60, of El Paso, Texas. The pair allegedly operated a sophisticated smuggling scheme utilizing “body carriers” – individuals crossing the border with heroin concealed on their person. Rivera would then deliver the drugs to Munoz at his Sunland Park residence for distribution. A 30-count indictment originally charged ten individuals with conspiracy and substantive heroin trafficking offenses.

According to court documents, between May 8, 2016, and July 12, 2016, the conspiracy distributed heroin throughout the region, often negotiating deals and arranging deliveries via telephone. Munoz admitted to handling approximately 119 ounces of heroin during that period and facilitating the sale of over 64 grams to other individuals. The operation wasn’t subtle; the indictment details the use of communication devices to coordinate the flow of drugs and money.

The bust came down on July 11, 2016, when Blanca Elisa Tovar, 42, of El Paso, was apprehended attempting to smuggle seven ounces of heroin into the United States for delivery to Rivera. The simultaneous arrests of Tovar, Rivera, and Munoz yielded a haul of $52,304 in cash, several ounces of heroin, and a firearm seized from Munoz’s vehicle and residence. Munoz has remained in custody awaiting sentencing.

Munoz isn’t the only member of the ring facing time. Alberto Lozano-Morales, 43, of Sunland Park, pled guilty on December 6, 2016, and faces a year and a day in prison. Tovar pled guilty December 13, 2016, facing 24 months. Carlos Diaz, 38, of El Paso, Texas, is looking at 18 months after a January 24, 2017, guilty plea. Rivera himself faces 108 months, and Armando Daniel Marquez, 54, of Sunland Park, could see up to 20 years behind bars.

Three co-defendants have entered not guilty pleas, while one remains at large and is considered a fugitive. Federal authorities are continuing to pursue all remaining individuals involved in this cross-border heroin pipeline. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.