CA Narcotics Dealer Gets 60-Month Stretch in NM

ALBUQUERQUE – Jesus Omar Morales-Anguiano, 35, of Hesperia, Calif., has been handed a heavy sentence for his role in the illegal drug trade. Today in Albuquerque, N.M., Morales-Anguiano was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, following his conviction on charges related to heroin and methamphetamine trafficking.

Law enforcement intercepted Morales-Anguiano during a routine traffic stop in July 2015. They discovered approximately 394.09 grams of heroin, 29.66 grams of cocaine, and 28.46 grams of methamphetamine hidden in his vehicle’s stereo unit. The canine unit alerted officers to the drugs, leading to his arrest.

Morales-Anguiano was indicted on August 12, 2015, for possession of heroin, cocaine, and meth with intent to distribute. He entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2016, confessing to driving from California to Albuquerque with the drugs, anticipating payment upon his return.

This case falls under the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, which was launched in January 2015 to combat the opioid crisis. The HOPE Initiative is a comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, law enforcement, reentry, and strategic planning. Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia C. Simms prosecuted this case as part of the initiative.

Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police conducted the investigation. The Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA are leading the law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative, targeting major drug trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution. More information on the HOPE Initiative can be found at HopeInitiativeNM.org.

RELATED: Cartel Kingpin Gets 20 Years

RELATED: Meth King Gets 20 Years