Edward Kriglstein, Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Mexico 2016

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Edward Kriglstein, 50, of Albuquerque, is headed to federal prison for a decade after being sentenced this morning for trafficking methamphetamine. The sentence, handed down in federal court, reflects the seriousness of the drug trade that continues to plague New Mexico.

Kriglstein was initially arrested back in February 2016, following a criminal complaint alleging possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On February 8, 2016, Bernalillo County law enforcement executed an arrest warrant and, in the process, seized a substantial quantity of drugs and cash. The initial search yielded approximately 153.5 gross grams of methamphetamine, alongside marijuana and various drug paraphernalia.

An indictment followed on February 24, 2016, mirroring the original charges. Kriglstein didn’t fight it. On December 16, 2016, he entered a guilty plea, admitting that officers recovered roughly 107.4 grams of *pure* methamphetamine during his arrest – a bust stemming from an outstanding warrant related to a prior conviction. That’s a significant amount of poison hitting the streets, and Kriglstein knew it.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Albuquerque office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies worked tirelessly to build a solid case, and the ten-year sentence proves their efforts were not in vain. The streets of Albuquerque are a little safer, but the fight against drugs is far from over.

Following his 120-month prison term, Kriglstein will be subject to eight years of supervised release. Whether he’ll stay clean and out of trouble remains to be seen. The federal system isn’t a rehabilitation center; it’s a holding pen. And Kriglstein, after a decade, will be back on the streets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander M. Uballez prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and ensuring Kriglstein faces serious consequences for his actions. This case serves as a stark reminder that drug trafficking carries significant penalties, and those who engage in it will be held accountable under federal law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on all federal crime activity in New Mexico.