Yanez Gets 7 Years for Meth & Fentanyl Run

ALBUQUERQUE – Guillermo Yanez, 47, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is headed to federal prison for 84 months – seven years – after pleading guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentence, handed down today, reflects the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community. There is no parole in the federal system, meaning Yanez will serve the entirety of his sentence.

The case unfolded on May 15, 2024, when Las Cruces Police Department officers attempted to serve an outstanding warrant for Yanez’s arrest, stemming from a tampering with evidence charge in a narcotics case out of El Paso, Texas. Rather than comply, Yanez bolted. A foot chase ensued, leading him over a wall and into a nearby apartment complex. Witnesses reported seeing Yanez reaching for his waistband during the pursuit, clearly attempting to ditch illegal contraband.

Officers initially deployed less-lethal munitions, but they proved ineffective in stopping the fleeing suspect. Eventually, Yanez was apprehended. A search revealed approximately 50 grams of pure methamphetamine stashed in his pocket, alongside a wad of cash. But the search didn’t stop there. A thorough sweep of the area where Yanez fled uncovered a container packed with fentanyl-laced pills and powdered fentanyl, adding up to a staggering 99 grams of the deadly opioid.

During a post-arrest interrogation, Yanez confessed to owning the drugs and admitted to intentionally discarding the fentanyl container during his desperate attempt to escape. He further revealed he distributed narcotics to fuel his own methamphetamine addiction – a bleak admission of a self-perpetuating cycle of crime and dependency. He pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and fentanyl, acknowledging his role in flooding the streets with dangerous substances.

“This sentence sends a clear message: those who peddle poison in our communities will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought Yanez to justice. The investigation was spearheaded by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with crucial assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and the Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency.

Upon his release from prison, Yanez will face an additional four years of supervised release, a period intended to monitor his behavior and prevent a return to criminal activity. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case, ensuring that Yanez faced the full weight of the law for his actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the influx of deadly drugs into New Mexico, and the dedication of law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks.