Blake Gallardo, Pharmacy Robbery, New Mexico 2015

Armed Robbery of Retail Pharmacies in Albuquerque

On January 30, 2015, a Walgreens Pharmacy in Albuquerque was robbed, resulting in the theft of Oxycodone and other highly addictive opioid painkillers. Blake Gallardo, 22, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested last night in connection with the robbery.

Gallardo made his initial appearance in federal court this morning on Indictment 15-CR-1504-JB, charging him with violating the Hobbs Act by interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, violating the Controlled Substance Registrant Act by robbery involving controlled substance, violating the Safe Doses Act by theft of medical products, and possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute.

The Controlled Substance Registrant Act was enacted in 1984 to combat the theft of prescription drugs from individuals and businesses registered with the DEA. It creates penalties for entering a pharmacy's premises for the purpose of stealing controlled substances, and includes enhanced punishment for using a dangerous weapon. The Safe Doses Act was enacted in October 2012 to fight medical theft and protect patients from unknowingly using stolen and mishandled drugs.

The charges in the indictments carry the following statutory maximum penalties on conviction: Hobbs Act – 20 years of imprisonment; robbery of controlled substances – 25 years of imprisonment; Safe Doses Act – 30 years of imprisonment; possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute – 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty for a conviction for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is a mandatory seven years in prison to be served consecutive to any prison sentence on the other sentence imposed on the other charges.

Gallardo and his co-defendant have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them. They remain in federal custody pending trial. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque Police Department.

Defendant Information: Blake Gallardo, 22, of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Criminal Charges: Violating the Hobbs Act by interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, violating the Controlled Substance Registrant Act by robbery involving controlled substance, violating the Safe Doses Act by theft of medical products, and possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute

City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Exact Date: April 29, 2015 (filing of indictments), April 30, 2015 (Gallardo's arrest)

Sentence or Outcome: Remains in federal custody pending trial

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/fugitive-federal-pharmacy-robbery-case-arrested